Job Title: Headteacher
Bestwood Village School, Nottingham, NG6 8TL
Hours: 37.5 Hours per Week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time only
Bestwood Village School is entering an exciting period of growth—and we are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to guide our brand-new Options Autism school into its next chapter.
If you are a visionary educational leader with a passion for transforming the lives of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Continuum needs and complex learning profiles, we want to hear from you.
This is more than a Headteacher role. This is your opportunity to build something extraordinary—to shape a school from the ground up, grow a committed team, and create a legacy of hope, ambition, and opportunity for learners who think and learn differently.
As Headteacher, you will be the driving force behind the school’s ethos, culture, and direction. You will lead with clarity and compassion, setting standards of excellence in teaching, pastoral care, and learner experience. This is a role for someone who not only understands specialist education, but embraces it—someone who sees potential where others may see barriers, and who believes every child deserves a chance to flourish.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that exceptional education begins with deep understanding: knowing each pupil’s strengths, interests, and aspirations, and shaping a personalised journey that builds confidence, skill, independence, and wellbeing.
You will champion both academic ambition and holistic development, ensuring that every learner is nurtured, challenged, and given the tools to thrive within and beyond school life.
This role is ideal for a leader who is energised by opportunity, unafraid of challenge, and committed to creating an inclusive environment where pupils don’t simply attend school—they belong.
Establish and lead a new school within the OFG network
Translate vision into strategy, inspiring staff and pupils to achieve beyond expectations
Proven leadership experience as a Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher
Experience supporting pupils with diverse and complex learning or behavioural needs
Strong knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and school improvement practices
Experience managing budgets and school resources
Relevant teaching qualification
If you are excited by the challenge of building excellence, driving innovation and making a transformational difference—this is your moment. Help us change futures at Bestwood Village School.
Bestwood Village School is a brand-new, specialist independent school in Bestwood Village, Nottinghamshire, providing a nurturing environment for autistic young people aged 7–16. With capacity for just 30 pupils, we offer a highly personalised approach to learning, ensuring every child receives the attention, support and encouragement they need to thrive.
We are building something special: a place where pupils, staff and families work together to unlock potential, celebrate strengths and inspire ambition.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to 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 your contributions
~“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
~ A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
~100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
~ Cycle to Work Schemes
~ Electric Car Purchase Scheme
~ Critical illness cover
~ Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.