Assistant Headteacher

Full Job Description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

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).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title:  Assistant Headteacher

Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, Devon TQ12 6RH

Salary:     Up to £50,000.00 per annum dependent on experience and qualifications

Hours:      40.5 hours per week

Shifts:      Monday 8.30am – 4.30pm, Tuesday 8.30am – 5.00pm, Wednesday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Start Date: January 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. 

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher to join our close-knit team at The Greater Horseshoe School, part of Acorn Education.

About the Role 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the school while maintaining a 70% teaching commitment.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will help shape the school’s vision, lead on curriculum and assessment, promote high standards of behaviour, and ensure inclusive practices for all pupils. You will also support staff development and performance, and build strong relationships with families, external agencies, and the wider community.

The Assistant Headteacher will take lead responsibility for ensuring the best possible curriculum offer, provision, well-being, progress and achievement for all pupils through careful monitoring and holding staff to account for the progress their pupils make.

Essential

• Experience of Ofsted framework and inspection
• Experience of working with pupils/young people with Autism Spectrum Condition / Challenging behaviours
• Experience of managing staff
• Experience of leading one or more curriculum areas
• Ability to motivate a team and individuals
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding procedures
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written

Qualifications

• QTS or QTLS
• Nationally Recognised Degree
• NPQ or working towards

Why join Acorn Education?

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.

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. 

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 

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.