Assistant Headteacher – Personal Development and Careers

Full Job Description

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Position:  Assistant Headteacher – Personal Development and Careers
Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA
Salary:     From £47,000.00 per annum (dependant on experience, not pro rata)
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

As Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development, Wellbeing and Careers, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading high-quality provision across PSHE, SMSC, and careers. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help drive the culture, ethos, and strategic direction of the school, ensuring that personal development opportunities are meaningful, inclusive, and responsive to all students.

You will work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to monitor impact, analyse data, and secure strong outcomes for learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for PSHE, SMSC, careers, and wellbeing across the school
• Line manage and support staff leading personal development, careers, and wellbeing provision
• Ensure personal development and careers education is embedded across the curriculum and reflected in planning, delivery, and assessment
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of evidence and data to inform leadership decisions and governance
• Monitor teaching quality and pupil achievement through lesson observations, learning walks, and reviews
• Lead on target setting and ensure effective implementation and monitoring of EHCP outcomes
• Contribute to and deliver high-quality CPD to develop staff expertise in meeting students’ personal, social, and emotional needs
• Support the Deputy Headteacher in maintaining accurate and effective recording and tracking systems
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of PSHE/RSE, wellbeing, and careers policies, ensuring statutory compliance

This role is ideal for an experienced and values-driven leader who is passionate about personal development, wellbeing, and preparing young people for life beyond school.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: Proven experience of leading whole-school initiatives with measurable and sustained improvements
• Compassionate & Resilient: Strong self-reflection skills, able to identify personal learning needs and support others
• Collaborative: A clear communicator who thrives in a team environment
• Qualified: UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent is essential, with evidence of ongoing professional development in school leadership and management
• Knowledgeable: Extensive understanding of SEMH settings and the needs of pupils

About Wessex Lodge School

Wessex Lodge School is an independent SEMH school with three sites across Kilmington, Frome, and Maiden Bradley, providing tailored education for pupils with complex needs. Using a Trauma-Informed and THRIVE-led approach, the school supports pupils to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Students engage in a broad curriculum, including animal care, horticulture, DT, forest school, and sports, alongside personalised learning pathways. Our experienced staff deliver holistic support, fostering resilience, empathy, and life skills. Recognised by Ofsted as a Good school and a Thrive School of Excellence, Wessex Lodge empowers pupils to achieve, grow, and thrive.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

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 committed to the 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – 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/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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.

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