Headteacher

Location: West YorkshireHours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am to 4.30pmSalary: Up to £85,000 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)Contract: Permanent | Term Time OnlyStart: ASAPUK applicants only – no sponsorship available This is your opportunity to help shape the future of a growing specialist school. We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development and are looking for an ambitious, passionate school leader who wants to make a genuine impact. Someone who is excited by the opportunity to shape a school's culture, develop a team, influence its direction and create something exceptional for children with autism and complex needs. This could be your next challenge. Or perhaps it's the opportunity you've been waiting for to take your first step into Headship. Could this be your next move? Whether you're an experienced Headteacher looking for a fresh challenge or an established Deputy Headteacher ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. We recognise that great Headteachers develop through different routes. Whilst an NPQH qualification would be advantageous, what matters most is your ability to inspire others, lead with purpose, and demonstrate the experience and potential to thrive in Headship. You will be supported by experienced colleagues across Outcomes First Group, with access to coaching, development and a wider network of specialist educational expertise. About the School We are a specialist independent school supporting children aged 4 to 11 years with autism, often alongside complex learning, communication and sensory needs. Our environment is thoughtfully designed to help every child feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive. Our broad and balanced curriculum goes beyond academic achievement. We focus on communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, social interaction, independence and essential life skills, ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to make meaningful progress. As a growing school, the foundations are in place. Now comes the exciting part: shaping what the future can become. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, you'll also have access to a wider network of specialist expertise and experienced educational leaders. Why this role is different You get to build, not just maintain. You'll have the opportunity to:

Shape the culture and establish the values, expectations and identity of a growing school. Make your mark and influence how the school develops. Develop people by recruiting, inspiring and building a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Lead change by driving school improvement and implementing innovative approaches to specialist education. Work collaboratively with experienced educational and specialist leaders across Outcomes First Group. Grow your career, whether you're an experienced Headteacher or an ambitious Deputy ready for your first Headship. Make a real difference by creating an environment where children with autism and complex needs can thrive.

About the Role

As Headteacher, you'll provide the vision, leadership and energy needed to take the school into its next chapter. You'll be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school, developing a strong culture and ensuring that pupils receive exceptional education and support. You'll lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team, champion high-quality teaching and personalised provision, and create a calm, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupils can flourish. You'll also oversee safeguarding, quality assurance, compliance, and the operational and financial management of the school, while building strong relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals. Most importantly, you'll have the freedom and responsibility to shape what comes next. You won't simply be stepping into an established school and maintaining the status quo. You'll be helping to build on strong foundations and create the school you believe children with autism deserve.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

A qualified teacher with QTS and a recognised teaching qualification such as PGCE or equivalent. An experienced school leader with a strong track record of leading and developing teams. Passionate about specialist education, inclusion and improving outcomes for children with autism and complex needs. Confident in leading school improvement and delivering high standards of teaching and learning. Able to create a positive culture where staff feel valued, supported and accountable. A strong communicator who can build trusted relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and professionals. Organised, resilient and confident in making decisions. Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with the operational demands of running a growing school. Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Ambitious about what the school can achieve.

What matters most?

We're looking for a leader with vision. Someone who sees possibility where others see challenges. Someone who enjoys developing people, solving problems and turning ideas into reality. Someone who wants to leave a lasting legacy.

Why Join Outcomes First Group? 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 proud to have been officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running. You'll also benefit from:

Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions Your Wellbeing Matters programme, including 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 and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Safeguarding 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 will be required to undertake a fully enhanced DBS check. 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.