Head of School
| Posting date: | 30 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Up to £70,000.00 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 February 2026 |
| Location: | Truro |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 301797FAJ |
Summary
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Head of School
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Location: Oak Tree School, Truro, TR4 9NH
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 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
Oak Tree School is seeking an inspiring, compassionate, and visionary Head of School. You will lead with purpose, creating a culture that balances exceptional outcomes, wellbeing, and innovation. Reporting to the Executive Headteacher, you will drive strategic and operational excellence, lead a high-performing team, and ensure pupils receive personalised, inclusive, and therapeutic education that meets their individual needs.
You will:
Ensure pupils achieve their full academic, social, and personal potential through an engaging curriculum, high-quality teaching, and targeted interventions.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for pupils and staff, embedding safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing at every level.
Lead, motivate, and develop all staff, promoting continuous professional growth, collaboration, and high standards of practice.
Support the Executive Headteacher in strategic planning, school improvement, and operational effectiveness, including financial management and growth planning.
Build strong relationships with pupils, families, local authorities, and external partners to enhance educational outcomes and opportunities.
Oversee self-evaluation, school improvement planning, and monitoring of progress to ensure continuous development and compliance with DfE and Ofsted requirements.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, offering the autonomy to shape a school culture where pupils thrive, staff are inspired, and high standards are the norm.
About You
We’re looking for a Head of School who is:
A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with senior leadership experience in SEN or SEMH education
Experienced in leading a school or specialist provision, with strong knowledge of autism, complex needs, and therapeutic approaches
Skilled in curriculum leadership, assessment, and delivering outstanding pupil outcomes
Confident in staff development, performance management, and team building
Innovative, collaborative, and committed to creating positive, lasting change
You will be a confident, empathetic leader capable of inspiring staff, engaging pupils, and fostering strong community relationships. A full UK driving licence is required.
About Us
Oak Tree School in Truro is a specialist SEMH provision supporting children and young people with social, emotional, mental health, communication, and associated needs.
We provide a nurturing, structured environment where pupils rebuild confidence, engage with learning, and develop independence. A personalised curriculum, therapeutic support, and life skills teaching help remove barriers and promote wellbeing.
Working closely with families, we empower every pupil to thrive, achieve their potential, and prepare for a successful future.
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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
#1
Job Title: Head of School
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Location: Oak Tree School, Truro, TR4 9NH
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 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
Oak Tree School is seeking an inspiring, compassionate, and visionary Head of School. You will lead with purpose, creating a culture that balances exceptional outcomes, wellbeing, and innovation. Reporting to the Executive Headteacher, you will drive strategic and operational excellence, lead a high-performing team, and ensure pupils receive personalised, inclusive, and therapeutic education that meets their individual needs.
You will:
Ensure pupils achieve their full academic, social, and personal potential through an engaging curriculum, high-quality teaching, and targeted interventions.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for pupils and staff, embedding safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing at every level.
Lead, motivate, and develop all staff, promoting continuous professional growth, collaboration, and high standards of practice.
Support the Executive Headteacher in strategic planning, school improvement, and operational effectiveness, including financial management and growth planning.
Build strong relationships with pupils, families, local authorities, and external partners to enhance educational outcomes and opportunities.
Oversee self-evaluation, school improvement planning, and monitoring of progress to ensure continuous development and compliance with DfE and Ofsted requirements.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, offering the autonomy to shape a school culture where pupils thrive, staff are inspired, and high standards are the norm.
About You
We’re looking for a Head of School who is:
A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with senior leadership experience in SEN or SEMH education
Experienced in leading a school or specialist provision, with strong knowledge of autism, complex needs, and therapeutic approaches
Skilled in curriculum leadership, assessment, and delivering outstanding pupil outcomes
Confident in staff development, performance management, and team building
Innovative, collaborative, and committed to creating positive, lasting change
You will be a confident, empathetic leader capable of inspiring staff, engaging pupils, and fostering strong community relationships. A full UK driving licence is required.
About Us
Oak Tree School in Truro is a specialist SEMH provision supporting children and young people with social, emotional, mental health, communication, and associated needs.
We provide a nurturing, structured environment where pupils rebuild confidence, engage with learning, and develop independence. A personalised curriculum, therapeutic support, and life skills teaching help remove barriers and promote wellbeing.
Working closely with families, we empower every pupil to thrive, achieve their potential, and prepare for a successful future.
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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
#1