Assistant Headteacher

Full Job Description

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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Salary:     Up to £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As Assistant Headteacher, you will be at the heart of the leadership team, helping shape the future of Ryecroft School and ensuring every pupil thrives. This is more than a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to embed a culture of excellence, safeguarding, and inclusion across the school, supporting both staff and pupils to reach their full potential.

Working alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will help drive strategic priorities, enhance teaching and learning, and ensure operational excellence. You’ll be a visible, approachable leader who sets high expectations while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for staff, pupils, and families alike.

You will:

• Support the Headteacher in leading the school, ensuring high-quality education, care, and wellbeing for all pupils
• Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategy, school improvement, and operational planning
• Embed a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil safety across the school community
• Develop and maintain effective systems, processes, and routines to support smooth day-to-day operations
• Liaise with parents, carers, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure holistic support for pupils
• Provide clear advice, reports, and recommendations to the Headteacher, Regional Director, and governance bodies

About You

We’re looking for a senior leader who combines experience, vision, and heart:

• Qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development
• Secure understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice
• Sound knowledge of education law, SEN requirements, and statutory frameworks
• Proven ability to lead strategically while remaining approachable, supportive, and practical
• Inspirational communicator with the ability to motivate staff and drive positive change

At Ryecroft School, you’ll join a dedicated team who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a school where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

About Us

Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils aged 4–18 with complex needs. We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive. Small classes and personalised timetables ensure tailored learning, independence, and life skills development. Our skilled staff foster strong relationships with families and professionals to maximise each pupil’s potential. We celebrate every pupil’s journey, promoting wellbeing, achievement, and creativity across all aspects of school life. At Ryecroft School, children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive, inclusive environment.

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

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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