Deputy Headteacher (Head of Operations)

Full Job Description

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG

Role:          Deputy Headteacher (Head of Operations)

Location:   Longdon Hall School, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS15 4PT

Salary:       Up to £55,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours:       37.5 hours per week; Monday- Friday 8:30am- 4pm (4:30pm on Mondays)

Contract:   Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: September 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Headteacher (Head of Operations) to join our close-knit team at Longdon Hall School, part of Acorn Education.

Purpose of Job:

As the Deputy Headteacher (Head of Operations) at Longdon Hall School, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of all operational aspects within the school. You will oversee various departments and teams to ensure alignment with the school's mission and objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for education.

General Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to optimise operational efficiency and support the school's long-term goals.
• Facilities Management: Support the maintenance and upkeep of school facilities, including classrooms, offices, and outdoor areas.
• Health and Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and implement measures to promote a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Financial Management: Allocate resources effectively, and identify opportunities for cost savings in conjunction with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School.
• Human Resources: Be a key support in recruitment, training, and professional development of staff at all levels.
• Technology Integration: Collaborate with IT staff to ensure the smooth operation of technology systems and infrastructure across the school.
• Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with parents, local communities, and external stakeholders to foster support for the school's operations and initiatives.

Qualifications Required

• UK QTS or equivalent 
  Experience of working in a SEND setting

About Us

Longdon Hall School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

This opportunity is in Lichfield which is within commutable distance of Cannock, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. 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.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education? 

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• 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.

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils 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. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

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