Headteacher

Full Job Description

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

Position:  Headteacher
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Salary:     Up to £85,000.00 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

We are seeking an inspirational Headteacher to lead Ryecroft School, ensuring outstanding outcomes for children and young people. Working within the Outcomes First Group framework, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, promoting excellence in education, therapy, safeguarding, staff development, and wellbeing.

You will:

• Lead a high-performing school with a clear vision aligned to the Outcomes First Group strategy
• Drive outstanding academic, social, and personal outcomes tailored to each pupil’s needs
• Oversee a personalised, engaging curriculum with effective assessment and progress tracking
• Ensure high-quality teaching, behaviour strategies, attendance, and therapeutic support
• Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment with exemplary safeguarding and wellbeing practices
• Maintain compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, striving for top inspection outcomes
• Build strong partnerships with pupils, families, local authorities, and external professionals
• Recruit, develop, and lead a motivated staff team, promoting professional growth and positive employee relations
• Serve as a role model, providing effective line management, mentoring, and leadership

This role is central to shaping a school culture where pupils feel safe, supported, and empowered, and where staff can thrive.

About You

We are looking for a Headteacher who is:

• Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree and NPQH
• Experienced: Strong knowledge of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
• Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils facing significant challenges
• Collaborative: A confident communicator who thrives in a team environment
• Creative & Flexible: Able to adapt, innovate, and meet the individual needs of pupils

About Us

Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils with complex needs.

We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive. 

Our personalised curriculum and small classes develop independence, life skills, and academic progress. Built on strong relationships with families and professionals, we empower young people to reach their full potential

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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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