Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead
hace 25 días
Guildford
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?\nAt Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.\nThat’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.\nMany 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.\nJob Title: Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead\nLocation: New Options School - Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4DU\nSalary: Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata )\nHours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday\nContract: Permanent | Term Time Only\nStart: May 2026\nUK Applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship\nBe part of something extraordinary. Build a school. Change lives.\nAs part of our exciting expansion, Options Autism is opening a brand-new specialist school in Guildford — designed to support children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs.\nWe are now seeking a passionate and visionary Deputy Headteacher & Curriculum Lead to help shape this new provision from the very beginning. This is more than a leadership role — it’s a rare opportunity to help design a school culture rooted in inclusion, creativity, and compassion, where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.\nAbout the Role\nAs Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading an exceptional learning environment. Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll co-create the school’s ethos, strategic direction, and educational excellence.\nYou’ll take the lead in designing and delivering a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that reflects our pupils’ diverse needs and interests — ensuring that every learning experience is meaningful, aspirational, and empowering.\nThis is a role that calls for vision, collaboration, and genuine passion for transforming lives.\nYour Key Responsibilities\nLead on the design, development, and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculum\nChampion high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the school\nCoach, mentor, and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil-centred lessons\nMonitor, evaluate, and continually improve the quality of education provision\nPromote a culture of care, ambition, and belonging through trauma-informed practice\nEnsure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needs\nAct as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where required\nBuild strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals, and the wider community\nWho We’re Looking For\nYou’re an experienced, forward-thinking school leader with a deep understanding of SEND and an unshakeable belief in every child’s potential. You lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose — balancing strategic vision with hands-on commitment to daily excellence.\nYou know how to empower staff, inspire pupils, and create a culture where innovation and care go hand in hand.\nEssential Requirements\nUK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent\nEducated to Degree Level\nProven experience in senior school leadership (e.g. Deputy, Assistant Headteacher, or equivalent)\nStrong understanding of curriculum design and quality assurance\nExperience working with pupils with autism, learning difficulties, and/or complex needs\nExcellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills\nCommitment to inclusive, person-centred education and continuous improvement\nDesirable\nExperience in a specialist or SEN setting\nKnowledge of trauma-informed or neurodiversity-affirming practices\nFamiliarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planning\nA creative, emotionally intelligent leadership style with the ability to adapt and inspire\nThis is an incredible opportunity to help build a school where every child is understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire excellence, and make your mark on a brand-new chapter in specialist education — we’d love to hear from you.\nAbout Us\nOpening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.\nOur schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.\nFor over 16 years Options Autism have provided support and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. 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.\nWe 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.\nWhy join Options Autism?\nWe 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.\nWe 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.\nBenefits\nYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:\nLife Assurance\nPension scheme with options to increase your contributions\n“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks\nAnd a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:\nA wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits\n100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad\nCycle to Work Schemes\nElectric Car Purchase Scheme\nCritical illness cover\nFamily Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.\nWe reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.\n*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\nOutcomes 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.\n#1