Headteacher – New Specialist SEMH & Autism School South West England — easily commutable from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath, Cheltenham or Gloucester Salary:
Up to £80,000 per annum
(dependent on experience, not pro rata) Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Hours:
Monday–Friday Start:
January 2026 UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship How would you like to get paid for five days… but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe great leadership happens when people have the time, space and wellbeing to do their best work. That’s why we are proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week ( 4DWW ) trial — giving you the opportunity to work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay. Many of our schools already operate the 4DWW; others will adopt it as staffing grows. Whichever setting you join, you’ll be part of a culture that values balance just as much as impact. There has never been a better time to join
#teamOFG. The Opportunity We are opening a brand-new, specialist school for children and young people with SEMH, Autism and associated needs — and we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to bring it to life. This is a rare chance to: Shape a school from the ground up Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice from day one Build a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress sit at the heart of everything Lead and inspire a talented multidisciplinary team Create a place where pupils who may have struggled elsewhere can belong, thrive and succeed If you are driven by impact and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true legacy. What You’ll Do Provide strategic leadership and clear vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism school Develop a trauma-informed, nurturing and ambitious environment Lead operational delivery, safeguarding, quality and compliance from the outset Recruit, inspire and develop a highly skilled staff team Work closely with therapy colleagues to deliver personalised, pupil-centred pathways Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local authorities About You We’re looking for a leader who brings heart as much as expertise: Experienced Headteacher or Deputy Head within SEN, SEMH, specialist or alternative provision Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and behaviour as communication Clear knowledge of Ofsted frameworks for specialist settings Skilled in budget, resource and change management Committed to inclusive education and aspirational outcomes for every pupil Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience If you want to make a difference where it matters most — and help shape the future of a brand-new school — we would love to hear from you. Why Join Outcomes First Group? Outcomes First Group is a leading provider of specialist education, dedicated to helping every child flourish. We tailor teaching to each pupil’s strengths, abilities, and aspirations, combining academic ambition with personalised support and strong pastoral care. Our expert-led services foster confidence, resilience, and curiosity, preparing young people for success in school, life, and beyond. With smaller classes, individualised learning plans, and a holistic approach, we create the environment, resources, and opportunities for every pupil to reach their full potential. 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. Benefits: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits Hundreds of UK and international discounts Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover 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. 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. 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. #1