Deputy Headteacher

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four ?

Our colleagues' wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we're always looking for new ways to improve everyone's work/life balance. We're taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff - so there's never been a more exciting time to join us !

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher

Location: Penny Tree School, Birmingham B30 3ES

Salary: Up to £55,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Deputy Headteacher to join the founding leadership team at Penny Tree School, a brand-new specialist provision within the Options Autism family.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the setup and leadership of a new school from the ground up-helping to shape its culture, curriculum, and future.

About the Role

Working alongside the Headteacher, you will play a key role in launching, establishing, and growing Penny Tree School into a high-quality, nurturing learning environment for pupils with complex learning needs, including autism and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges.

You will:

• Support in the leadership and day-to-day management of the school
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, and outcomes for all pupils
• Ensure compliance with the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework
• Build and lead high-performing teams through clear vision and strategic direction
• Embed a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and high expectations
• Contribute to the design and delivery of a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum
• Develop strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external partners

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a confident and inspiring leader who:

• Holds UK QTS (or equivalent)
• Has experience working with children and young people with autism, SEMH, or other complex learning needs
• Understands how these needs impact learning and classroom behaviour
• Brings a track record of school improvement and team development
• Has an excellent grasp of SEND practice, safeguarding, and compliance frameworks
• Is a skilled communicator who thrives in partnership with parents, professionals, and stakeholders
• Brings creativity, resilience, and a clear commitment to inclusive, high-quality education

This role is ideal for an experienced senior leader ready to take the next step or a current Deputy Head seeking a unique challenge in school development.

At Penny Tree School, you'll be part of a supportive and visionary leadership team at the very start of an exciting journey. Backed by the expertise of Options Autism and Outcomes First Group, you'll have access to a wide network of senior leaders, professional development pathways, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact-not only on the school but on the lives of the pupils we serve.

About Us

Our new Options school - Penny Tree School - will have capacity for 60 pupils and is expected to open in the near future.

For over 16 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils 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.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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.

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.