Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead

Description

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

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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many 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 .

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead

Location: New Options School - Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4DU

Salary: Up to GBP60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata )

Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent Term Time Only

Start: May 2026

UK Applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship

Be part of something extraordinary. Build a school. Change lives.

As 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.

We 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.

About the Role

As 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.

You'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.

This is a role that calls for vision, collaboration, and genuine passion for transforming lives.

Your Key Responsibilities

Lead on the design, development, and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculumChampion high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the schoolCoach, mentor, and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil-centred lessonsMonitor, evaluate, and continually improve the quality of education provisionPromote a culture of care, ambition, and belonging through trauma-informed practiceEnsure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needsAct as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where requiredBuild strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals, and the wider communityWho We're Looking For

You're a proven school senior leader with a deep understanding of SEN and a passion for transforming the lives of young people with autism and complex needs.

Essential:

UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalentEducated to Degree LevelA successful track record of senior leadership in a school settingIn-depth understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance in educationExperience supporting children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and/or complex needsA commitment to inclusive, person-centred educationExcellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills Experience as a Senior Leader, e.g.: Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Six Form, Whole School etc. Desirable:

Experience working within a specialist or SEN settingKnowledge of trauma-informed, therapeutic or neurodiversity-affirming approachesOpen to working in Primary and Secondary seFamiliarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planningA flexible, creative and emotionally intelligent leadership styleWe are open to considering experience gained in any education settingThis 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.

About Us

Opening 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.

Our 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.

For 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.

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 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.

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

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

Life AssurancePension 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 checksAnd 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 benefits100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily 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.

Ad ID: 5417375806