Head of Primary

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title:   Head of Primary
Location:   Wessex Lodge Primary, Kilmington, Wiltshire BA12 6RB
Hours:        40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary:       Up to £70,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:   Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:          December 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Wessex Lodge Primary, we're looking for an inspirational educational leader to shape the future of our specialist primary provision, where every decision you make helps children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs build confidence, resilience and brighter futures.

This is an opportunity to lead a committed team within a nurturing, therapeutic school where relationships come first, individuality is celebrated and success is measured in far more than academic outcomes.

Whether you're already a Head of School, an experienced Deputy or Assistant Head ready to take the next step, you'll be joining an ambitious organisation that invests in its leaders and empowers them to make a real difference.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing inspirational leadership across our specialist primary provision.
• Creating a calm, safe and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.
• Driving excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
• Embedding trauma-informed, therapeutic and relational practice throughout the school.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing a talented team of teachers and support staff.
• Leading quality assurance, professional development and performance management.
• Working closely with families, local authorities and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Contributing strategically as a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping shape the future of the school.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
• Has successful leadership experience within SEMH, SEND or specialist education.
• Is an exceptional people leader who inspires trust, collaboration and high expectations.
• Has a strong understanding of trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches.
• Is passionate about delivering personalised education that changes lives.
• Can confidently lead school improvement and raise standards across teaching and learning.
• Builds strong partnerships with pupils, families and professionals.

About Us

Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School (The Hive) located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.

Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

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

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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