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: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum plus £1,000 Welcome Bonus
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK Applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship

We are seeking an experienced, inspiring Deputy Headteacher to join our amazing team at Groveside School and play a pivotal role in shaping an ambitious, inclusive, and high-performing school culture.

About the Role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across curriculum, creativity, and personal development. You will support the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and staff development, while promoting trauma-informed and restorative approaches across the school.

You will play a key role in shaping the school's curriculum and personal development offer, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and behaviour are consistently achieved. You will drive strategic initiatives and school improvement plans, fostering a culture of collaboration, ambition, and inclusion. By building strong, positive relationships with pupils, families, and staff, you will create an environment where everyone can thrive. You will also inspire, coach, and develop staff, empowering them to deliver excellence and make a lasting impact on the lives of every pupil.

Who We're Looking For

• Inspirational school leader with a clear vision for curriculum and pupil outcomes
• Qualified Teacher (QTS) with outstanding classroom experience
• Resilient, approachable leader who thrives in a challenging environment
• Creative thinker who brings learning to life for pupils
• Strong communicator who can motivate and influence others
• Professional who models positive behaviour, integrity, and a sense of humour

What We Offer

• A supportive, collaborative, and values-driven school culture
• High-quality induction and ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives
• Clear opportunities for career progression

This role is ideal for a passionate leader ready to take the next step and help deliver exceptional outcomes for every pupil.

About Us

Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To develop your career.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK's leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve 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 Acorn Education?

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

Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £500 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £500 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply

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.