Assistant Headteacher
| Posting date: | 24 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Up to £56,000.00 per annum dependant on experience |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 17 March 2026 |
| Location: | Newbury |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 304659FAJ |
Summary
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
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: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we are excited to offer an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our exceptional team at New Barn School – River View House.
This is your chance to step into a rewarding senior leadership role where you can shape strategy, inspire teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people within a supportive and forward-thinking school community.
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher at New Barn School, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Headteacher to deliver the school’s vision, provide strong strategic leadership, and ensure the smooth and effective running of daily operations.
This is a highly influential leadership position where you will model outstanding practice, drive continuous improvement, and champion excellence across teaching, learning, and pastoral provision — helping both pupils and staff reach their full potential.
You will be responsible for:
Supporting the Headteacher in communicating and embedding the school’s vision and strategic direction while promoting a positive, inclusive, and aspirational culture
Ensuring consistently high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects and phases
Delivering a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all pupils
Championing inclusion and ensuring pupils with SEN and disabilities can fully access learning opportunities
Overseeing key systems, processes, and policies to ensure safe, efficient school operations, including safeguarding and pupil welfare
Performance managing staff and driving professional development to build confidence, capability, and leadership capacity across the school
Working collaboratively with the governing board and external partners to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
This role is ideal for a strategic, inspiring, and experienced leader who is passionate about creating meaningful change and delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
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, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 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
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: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we are excited to offer an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our exceptional team at New Barn School – River View House.
This is your chance to step into a rewarding senior leadership role where you can shape strategy, inspire teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people within a supportive and forward-thinking school community.
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher at New Barn School, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Headteacher to deliver the school’s vision, provide strong strategic leadership, and ensure the smooth and effective running of daily operations.
This is a highly influential leadership position where you will model outstanding practice, drive continuous improvement, and champion excellence across teaching, learning, and pastoral provision — helping both pupils and staff reach their full potential.
You will be responsible for:
Supporting the Headteacher in communicating and embedding the school’s vision and strategic direction while promoting a positive, inclusive, and aspirational culture
Ensuring consistently high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects and phases
Delivering a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all pupils
Championing inclusion and ensuring pupils with SEN and disabilities can fully access learning opportunities
Overseeing key systems, processes, and policies to ensure safe, efficient school operations, including safeguarding and pupil welfare
Performance managing staff and driving professional development to build confidence, capability, and leadership capacity across the school
Working collaboratively with the governing board and external partners to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
This role is ideal for a strategic, inspiring, and experienced leader who is passionate about creating meaningful change and delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
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, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 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