Assistant Headteacher
| Posting date: | 28 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Up to £56,000.00 per annum dependant on experience |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | Newbury |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 301941FAJ |
Summary
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Position: Assistant Headteacher
Location: New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS
Salary: Up to £56,000.00 per annum dependant on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher at New Barn School, you will play a key role in supporting the Headteacher to deliver the school’s vision, provide strategic leadership, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This is a senior leadership role where you will model best practice, drive improvement, and support the development of pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
You will be responsible for:
Supporting the Headteacher in communicating the school’s vision and strategic direction and promoting a positive, inclusive, high-achieving culture
Ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects and phases
Delivering a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils
Championing inclusion, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEN and disabilities, can access the curriculum fully
Overseeing systems, processes, and policies to ensure the school operates efficiently and safely, including safeguarding and welfare
Performance managing staff and supporting professional development to build confidence and capability across the school
Working with the governing board and external partners to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous school improvement
This role is ideal for a strategic, inspiring, and experienced leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils and staff alike.
About You
We’re looking for a candidate who is:
Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree
Experienced: Strong understanding of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
Collaborative: A clear communicator who thrives in a senior leadership team
Creative & Flexible: Ready to adapt, innovate, and respond to individual and school-wide needs
Holds a full UK driving licence
About Us
New Barn School provides inclusive, nurturing education for young people with SEMH and complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapy, and vocational opportunities within small, supportive cohorts. Our team focuses on developing confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills while removing barriers to learning. Built on trust and collaboration with families, we empower every pupil to reach their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.
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.
#1
Position: Assistant Headteacher
Location: New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS
Salary: Up to £56,000.00 per annum dependant on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher at New Barn School, you will play a key role in supporting the Headteacher to deliver the school’s vision, provide strategic leadership, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This is a senior leadership role where you will model best practice, drive improvement, and support the development of pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
You will be responsible for:
Supporting the Headteacher in communicating the school’s vision and strategic direction and promoting a positive, inclusive, high-achieving culture
Ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects and phases
Delivering a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils
Championing inclusion, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEN and disabilities, can access the curriculum fully
Overseeing systems, processes, and policies to ensure the school operates efficiently and safely, including safeguarding and welfare
Performance managing staff and supporting professional development to build confidence and capability across the school
Working with the governing board and external partners to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous school improvement
This role is ideal for a strategic, inspiring, and experienced leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils and staff alike.
About You
We’re looking for a candidate who is:
Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree
Experienced: Strong understanding of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
Collaborative: A clear communicator who thrives in a senior leadership team
Creative & Flexible: Ready to adapt, innovate, and respond to individual and school-wide needs
Holds a full UK driving licence
About Us
New Barn School provides inclusive, nurturing education for young people with SEMH and complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapy, and vocational opportunities within small, supportive cohorts. Our team focuses on developing confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills while removing barriers to learning. Built on trust and collaboration with families, we empower every pupil to reach their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.
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.
#1