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Job Title: Head of Primary
Location: Wessex Lodge Primary, Kilmington, Wiltshire BA12 6RB
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: December 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Wessex Lodge Primary is seeking a dedicated and ambitious Head of Primary to lead our specialist primary provision for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact, leading a skilled and passionate team within a nurturing, therapeutic environment where every pupil is supported to succeed. Whether you are an experienced Head of School or a senior leader ready for your next challenge, you will play a key role in driving school improvement and shaping the future of our provision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strong and inspiring leadership across the school.
- Create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.
- Drive high standards in teaching, learning and curriculum delivery.
- Champion trauma-informed, therapeutic and relational approaches.
- Lead, coach and develop teaching and support staff.
- Oversee quality assurance, performance management and professional development.
- Build positive partnerships with families, local authorities and external professionals.
- Contribute to the strategic direction and continued growth of the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
What You'll Bring
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
- Proven leadership experience within SEMH, SEND or specialist education.
- The ability to motivate, inspire and develop high-performing teams.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed and therapeutic practice.
- A passion for personalised education and improving outcomes for pupils.
- Experience leading school improvement and raising standards.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with pupils, families and professionals.
About Us
Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School (The Hive) located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.
Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.
The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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.
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