Deputy Headteacher

Get Paid for Five Days but Only Work Four!

Position: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Salary: Up to £55,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: March 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe life is about more than work. That's why many of our schools are trialling a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW)-work one day less each week while keeping full pay. Now's the perfect time to join and put your wellbeing first.

About the Role

The Deputy Headteacher plays a key role in driving high standards across every aspect of school life. Working closely with the Headteacher, senior leaders and wider stakeholders, you will help deliver a high-quality education that meets regulatory requirements, organisational expectations and the individual needs of each learner.

This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role, combining oversight of curriculum and teaching with leadership of behaviour and positive support approaches. You will work collaboratively with education, care and clinical teams, supporting staff, students and families to ensure consistency, positive outcomes and a culture of high expectations throughout the school. Areas of responsibility will be aligned to the successful candidate's skills and experience.

Leadership experience is essential. Candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school or speak with the Headteacher to discuss the role in more detail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and leadership team to secure and sustain high standards throughout the school
• Act as overall curriculum lead, coordinating and managing curriculum delivery across all areas
• Lead on positive behaviour support, including guidance and strategies for behaviour that may challenge
• Participate in the assessment and review of referrals to ensure appropriate provision and planning
• Monitor pupil progress and targets, ensuring individual outcomes are tracked and achieved
• Work closely with the clinical team to oversee Behaviour Support Plans, providing advice, consultation and ensuring plans are reviewed and updated
• Play an active role within the multidisciplinary team, working alongside education, residential and clinical colleagues
• Maintain strong and effective links with external partners, both within the wider organisation and with external agencies
• Build positive, productive relationships with families, carers and other stakeholders involved in students' education and care
• Ensure consistently high standards across education, care and clinical programmes in line with organisational policies and expectations

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to make a significant impact within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, helping to shape a school culture where students are supported to achieve their best outcomes academically, socially and emotionally.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Qualified: UK QTS or equivalent, with a relevant degree. NPQSL or similar also preferable
• Experienced: Proven experience teaching children and young people with autism and/or behaviours that may present challenges
• Knowledgeable: Familiar with Estyn and/or Ofsted inspection frameworks and processes as well as strong knowledge of effective people management practices

About Ryecroft School

Ryecroft School has capacity for 60 pupils, opened in September 2024 and caters for pupils with Autism and complex needs.

The school is located in Walsall. Walsall is a market town in the West Midlands County. It is located 9 miles north-west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton and 9 miles from Lichfield.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care 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.

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.

Benefits include:

• Travel Allowance - up to £450.00 depending upon distance travelled
• Life Assurance & Pension scheme
• Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
• Birthday Chocolates & Gift Voucher at Christmas
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
• 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay

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.

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.