Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Assistant Headteacher (Head of The Ferns & Careers Teacher)
Location: Longdon Hall School, Near Lichfield, Staffordshire WS15 4PT
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW ) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher (Head of The Ferns & Careers Teacher), you will play a key role in leading a nurturing and aspirational learning environment for pupils accessing our satellite provision. Working closely with the Head of School and Deputy Headteacher, you will support the strategic development, implementation and monitoring of a curriculum that meets the complex needs of our learners while preparing them effectively for adulthood. You will lead on curriculum access, progress monitoring, safeguarding, SEN responsibilities and careers provision, ensuring that pupils at The Ferns receive high‑quality education, personalised support and a safe, structured environment in which they can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Head of School and Deputy Headteacher in leading curriculum innovation and designing provision suited to pupils’ needs and the school vision.
* Support effective implementation of the curriculum across The Ferns satellite site.
* Put provision in place to secure improved pupil progress.
* Ensure the school meets all statutory responsibilities for pupils with EHCPs.
* Support and, where needed, lead identified EHCP annual reviews, including chairing review meetings.
* Support staff in developing a strong understanding of the needs of SEN pupils.
* Promote a culture and practice that ensures all children and young people can access the curriculum.
* Assist in monitoring pupil progress across the provision.
* Establish and oversee curriculum systems, processes and policies that enable full access to learning.
* Monitor progress toward the school’s aims and objectives.
* Work with SLT, subject leads and teachers to ensure all pupils’ learning is valued equally and expectations are high yet realistic.
* Oversee Health and Safety for pupils and staff at The Ferns satellite provision.
About You
* UK QTS or relevant qualification
* A full UK driving licence
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in education and SEND.
About Us
Longdon Hall School provides a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Our personalised, trauma-informed approach helps each child re-engage with learning and reach their full potential. We combine academic ambition with emotional support, resilience-building, and life skills development. Every pupil benefits from small classes, tailored targets, and a dedicated pastoral team. At Longdon Hall, we celebrate progress, empower independence, and prepare young people for confident, successful futures.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
* Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
o Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
o Hundreds of UK and international discounts
o Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
o Critical illness cover
o Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales .
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