Headteacher

Full Job Description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

• Job Title: Headteacher
• Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum depending on experience
• Location: Claystone School, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LL
• Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
• Start: November 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dedicated Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Claystone School, where you will lead with passion and vision to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs.

About the Role
Are you an innovative and visionary Headteacher or Senior Leader passionate about improving the lives of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex additional needs? Claystone School offers an inspiring leadership role within a friendly, forward-thinking team committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for every child.

We are a small independent special school for learners aged 4–11 with Autism, additional learning difficulties, and complex needs. We value each child’s unique strengths and provide tailored support through rigorous assessment, an Autism-friendly environment, bespoke curricula, and Autism-specific interventions. Our approach focuses on social communication and interaction, encouraging students to think differently while nurturing curiosity and meaningful learning. At Claystone, we believe: “Embracing Difference leads to Endless Possibilities.”

As Headteacher, you will lead with integrity and creativity, driving excellence in education tailored to the strengths and challenges of our pupils. Your strategic insight will maximise achievement and wellbeing, fostering a school culture that is inclusive, nurturing, and ambitious.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, embedding the school’s vision, ethos, and values.
• Develop and implement high-quality, personalised programs for pupils with ASC and complex needs.
• Inspire and develop staff, promoting collaboration, professional growth, and high expectations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and maintain outstanding standards in safeguarding, health, safety, and educational outcomes.
• Work with SLT, the Governing Body, and Regional Director to drive school improvement.
• Promote partnerships with pupils, families, agencies, and the community to support holistic development.
• Integrate therapeutic approaches into the educational framework.
• Manage budgets and resources to support strategic priorities and sustainable growth.
• Lead recruitment, retention, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintain robust communication with all stakeholders.
• Represent the school in local authority and national forums.

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and NPQH (or equivalent senior leadership qualification).
• Proven leadership experience in special education, ideally with ASC and complex needs.
• Exceptional strategic, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing.
• Ability to inspire, empower, and develop staff through coaching and mentoring.

Join us to lead a school where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

About the School

Our brand-new Options Autism school – Claystone School in Luton, Bedfordshire – is designed to support up to 48 pupils aged 4–11, providing a nurturing and specialist environment for children with ASC and complex needs.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. 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 Options Autism?

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 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.

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