Assistant 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:   Assistant Headteacher

Location:  Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA

Salary:      Up to £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours:       40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract:   Permanent, Term Time only

Start Date: March 2026

UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Abbey Gardens School, a new addition to the Acorn Education family, set to open its doors in March/April 2026. Be part of shaping a brand-new school and making a lasting impact on the lives of our pupils from the very beginning.

About the Role 

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team. This exciting role offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the school while having a hands-on impact on teaching, learning, and pupil development.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will help define and embed the school’s vision, leading on curriculum development, assessment, and the promotion of high standards of behaviour and inclusive practice. You will play a key role in staff development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and innovative culture across the school.

You will take lead responsibility for ensuring that every pupil receives a high-quality, personalised curriculum and support. Through careful monitoring and accountability, you will ensure that pupils make excellent progress academically, socially, and emotionally. You will also build strong, positive relationships with families, external partners, and the wider community, positioning the school as a hub of excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on curriculum development, assessment, and teaching and learning strategies across the school.
• Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and achievement, holding staff accountable for outcomes.
• Support the Headteacher in setting and embedding the school’s vision, ethos, and strategic priorities.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral care throughout the school.
• Develop, support, and appraise staff, providing coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Model outstanding teaching practice and mentor colleagues to enhance teaching standards.
• Lead initiatives that improve the quality of education and the overall pupil experience.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with pupils, families, external agencies, and the wider community.
• Contribute actively to school leadership meetings and strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and school policies, including safeguarding and health and safety requirements.

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Proven experience in a senior or middle leadership role in a school setting
• Strong track record of raising pupil outcomes and improving teaching standards
• Excellent classroom practitioner with experience teaching across a range of key stages
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and the wellbeing of all pupils
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a team of teaching and support staff

About Us

Abbey Gardens is an exciting new addition to the Acorn Education family, set to open its doors in March/April 2026. Designed to support students aged 11 to 18, the school will offer a nurturing and inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. 

As part of Acorn Education, Abbey Gardens will benefit from a strong foundation of expertise in delivering high-quality education and support, helping pupils thrive both academically and personally.

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?

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.

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

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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