Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO
| Posting date: | 11 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 October 2025 |
| Location: | Dibden, Southampton |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 289079FAJ |
Summary
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 #teamOFG.
We are looking for an experienced Assistant Headteacher for SENDCo to join our Bower Lodge School in Dibden, Southampton.
Bower Lodge School, Southampton, SO45 5TD
Up to £55,000 dependant on experience and qualifications
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30
Permanent, Term Time only
Start Date: January 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth in service, we are looking for an outstanding experienced Assistant Headteacher to join our amazing team at Bower Lodge School in Southampton.
About the Role
The Assistant Headteacher for SENDCO will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy, including oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising all students’ attainment and achievement.
The Assistant Headteacher will take lead responsibility for ensuring the best possible curriculum offer, provision, well-being, progress and achievement for all pupils through careful monitoring and holding staff to account for the progress their pupils make. The role will also include teaching time.
To be responsible for progress and support of a Key Stage.
To be responsible for a specific curriculum or pastoral responsibility, as required to fulfil the school development plan and that supports teaching and learning.
To carry out teaching duties in accordance with the school’s schemes of work and National Curriculum.
To meet in full the Professional Standards for Teachers.
To model and promote good practice in teaching and learning.
To contribute to and help implement developments that relate to the School Development Plan.
To monitor progress and targets to ensure that each individual student is able to achieve planned outcomes.
Essential
QTS
NASENDCO or equivalent is desirable or a willingness to undertake if appointed
Relevant experience in the specialist area of service i.e., relevant experience of working with young people/young adults with Autistic spectrum disorders and/or challenging behaviours.
Experience of managing staff.
Good knowledge of people management practices.
Effective leadership skills.
Please note you will be asked to provide an example of how you have supported pupils with SEND needs and how you know this has been successful (500 word max).
About us
Our New Options Primary School - Bower Lodge located in Dibden, Southampton has a capacity for 40 pupils catering for autistic young people aged 4 – 11.
For over 16 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth 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.
#1
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 #teamOFG.
We are looking for an experienced Assistant Headteacher for SENDCo to join our Bower Lodge School in Dibden, Southampton.
Bower Lodge School, Southampton, SO45 5TD
Up to £55,000 dependant on experience and qualifications
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30
Permanent, Term Time only
Start Date: January 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth in service, we are looking for an outstanding experienced Assistant Headteacher to join our amazing team at Bower Lodge School in Southampton.
About the Role
The Assistant Headteacher for SENDCO will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy, including oversight of the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising all students’ attainment and achievement.
The Assistant Headteacher will take lead responsibility for ensuring the best possible curriculum offer, provision, well-being, progress and achievement for all pupils through careful monitoring and holding staff to account for the progress their pupils make. The role will also include teaching time.
To be responsible for progress and support of a Key Stage.
To be responsible for a specific curriculum or pastoral responsibility, as required to fulfil the school development plan and that supports teaching and learning.
To carry out teaching duties in accordance with the school’s schemes of work and National Curriculum.
To meet in full the Professional Standards for Teachers.
To model and promote good practice in teaching and learning.
To contribute to and help implement developments that relate to the School Development Plan.
To monitor progress and targets to ensure that each individual student is able to achieve planned outcomes.
Essential
QTS
NASENDCO or equivalent is desirable or a willingness to undertake if appointed
Relevant experience in the specialist area of service i.e., relevant experience of working with young people/young adults with Autistic spectrum disorders and/or challenging behaviours.
Experience of managing staff.
Good knowledge of people management practices.
Effective leadership skills.
Please note you will be asked to provide an example of how you have supported pupils with SEND needs and how you know this has been successful (500 word max).
About us
Our New Options Primary School - Bower Lodge located in Dibden, Southampton has a capacity for 40 pupils catering for autistic young people aged 4 – 11.
For over 16 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth 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.
#1