Headteacher role leading Red Kite School in Princes Risborough, a brand-new independent special school for pupils with social and emotional health needs (part of Outcomes First Group). You’ll set the strategic direction, embed high-quality teaching and therapeutic practice, and ensure safeguarding, compliance, and strong outcomes. Standout perk: up to £85,000 salary plus broad wellbeing and benefits package.
- Lead a brand-new special school
- Great Place to Work certified
- Wellbeing support and flexible benefits
37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday Salary:
Up to £85,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)Contract: Permanent | Term Time OnlyStart:
September 2026UK applicants only – no sponsorship available About the Role Are you a visionary school leader with the passion and drive to shape futures, elevate standards, and create a truly exceptional learning environment? Outcomes First Group is seeking an outstanding Headteacher to lead one of our specialist schools — a place where every child and young person is valued, understood, and empowered to thrive. As Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people. You will ensure the school fulfils its aims, meets all statutory requirements, and embodies the values and vision of Outcomes First Group. This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference. What You’ll Be Doing
Deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people through a highly engaging, needs‑led curriculum. Ensure robust assessment, tracking and evidence of progress across academic and personal development. Lead and embed high‑quality teaching that drives effective learning and meaningful qualifications. Implement strategies that improve behaviour, engagement and attendance. Integrate therapeutic approaches into the educational experience. Promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through positive, enriching experiences. Build strong, collaborative relationships with pupils, parents, carers, local authorities and stakeholders. Establish systems that monitor and elevate teaching standards across the school. Create and maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils and staff. Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and statutory requirements. Recruit, develop and inspire a motivated, high‑performing staff team. Drive the school’s commercial success, including occupancy, cost control and referral management. Lead strategic planning, school improvement, and a culture of continuous development. Communicate progress clearly to parents, local authorities, Ofsted and internal stakeholders. Act as an ambassador for Outcomes First Group, contributing to regional and national initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
QTS/ PGCE or equivalent required Skilled in strategic planning, operational management, and school improvement Experienced in SEND or specialist education (desirable but not essential) Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality provision Able to inspire, motivate, and develop staff Confident in managing budgets, resources, and commercial priorities Driven by values, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence
About Us Red Kite is a brand-new independent special educational needs school which will cater for up to 60 pupils with social and emotional health needs. The school is based in the beautiful market town Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire. This is an exciting opportunity for anybody who wants to be a part of the successful development of a brand-new setting and make a difference to education of our pupils. 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. #1