Deputy Headteacher

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 .

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7AX
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum depending on experience ( not pro rata )
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship.

Join Our Team and Help Keep Our School Running Smoothly

Waterloo Lodge School is seeking an ambitious and dedicated Deputy Headteacher who is inspired by the opportunity to shape the life chances of young people with complex needs. This is a pivotal leadership role within our specialist provision, working closely with the Headteacher to drive high standards, nurture an inclusive culture, and deliver an exceptional educational experience for every pupil.

About the Role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will be central to strategic planning, school improvement, teaching and learning, safeguarding and staff development. You will be a visible, trusted leader who models integrity, calm and resilience-someone who inspires colleagues, champions high expectations, and builds meaningful relationships with students and families.

Waterloo Lodge School is a close-knit, dedicated community where every learner matters. Our pupils require understanding, structure and personalised support to achieve their potential. We are looking for a leader who values connection, celebrates individuality and remains relentlessly committed to helping young people succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver our whole-school vision for high-quality education.
• Lead curriculum development, ensuring it is broad, balanced and responsive to pupil needs.
• Promote evidence-based, innovative teaching practice across the school.
• Evaluate and raise the quality of teaching, learning and outcomes.
• Oversee assessment, tracking and reporting systems to close attainment gaps.
• Lead positive behaviour support and embed trauma-informed approaches.
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding standards, SEND legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Support recruitment, training and performance management, including coaching and CPD.
• Build strong relationships with families, carers, external agencies and clinical teams.
• Deputise for the Headteacher and represent the school when required.

Who We're Looking For

A forward-thinking, inspiring and resilient leader who:

• Has a clear vision for teaching, learning, curriculum and whole-school improvement.
• Leads with integrity, confidence and emotional intelligence.
• Works collaboratively and builds strong, positive relationships across teams.
• Motivates and develops staff with clarity, empathy and high expectations.
• Champions inclusive education and strives for exceptional pupil outcomes.
• Brings strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Can innovate, evaluate and drive sustained improvement.

If you're energetic, strategic and ready to influence meaningful change - this is your opportunity to make your mark.

At Waterloo Lodge, you will join a friendly, inclusive community where teamwork and respect come first. You'll be trusted to take ownership, supported by a positive leadership team, and recognised for the vital role you play in helping our pupils thrive.

About Us

Waterloo Lodge School is an independent specialist day school for students aged 10 to 18, supporting young people with a wide range of needs in the Lancashire, Manchester, and surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and socially, helping them rebuild their confidence and take pride in their achievements.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running

Why Join Options Autism?

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 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.

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.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

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