Lead Differently. Educate Differently.
The Outdoors School is an innovative Independent Special School providing education entirely outdoors for learners with SEMH, ASD and associated needs. Our project-based, learner-led approach empowers children and young people to develop confidence, resilience and skills for life in a supportive woodland environment.
We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our school.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced educational leader who is passionate about inclusive education, curriculum development and creating meaningful outcomes for learners who thrive outside traditional classroom settings.
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher, you will combine strategic leadership with operational site management, ensuring high-quality education, outstanding safeguarding practice and positive outcomes for learners.
You will lead our Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Portfolio, driving continuous improvement in teaching, learning and curriculum delivery across the school while supporting and developing staff teams.
This role forms part of our Senior Leadership Team and offers the opportunity to influence whole-school strategy while maintaining a strong presence within daily school operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment across the school.
- Provide day-to-day leadership of an allocated school site.
- Monitor and improve the quality of teaching, learning and learner outcomes.
- Support and develop Lead Tutors and wider staff teams through coaching, supervision and professional development.
- Drive quality assurance processes, including observations, learning walks and data analysis.
- Promote a strong safeguarding culture and support learner wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with families, local authorities and external agencies.
- Contribute to school improvement planning and inspection readiness.
- Ensure curriculum delivery reflects the school's ethos, values and learner-centred approach.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Degree-level qualification.
- Experience leading and developing teams within an educational setting.
- Strong knowledge of curriculum development, assessment and teaching practice.
- Experience delivering staff training and professional development.
- Excellent behaviour management and understanding of needs-led education.
- Knowledge of data-informed school improvement.
- Strong communication, leadership and organisational skills.
- Experience leading change, innovation or improvement projects.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a shared leadership model.
Desirable:
- Experience working with learners with SEMH, ASD, ASC or PDA.
- Knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
- Experience within outdoor education or Forest School environments.
- NPQSL, Forest School Level 3, Safeguarding Level 3 or project management qualification.
- Experience of multi-agency working and behaviour intervention strategies.
What Makes This Role Different?
- Lead within a genuinely innovative outdoor learning environment.
- Shape curriculum strategy and educational practice across the school.
- Work alongside passionate, values-driven professionals.
- Make a tangible difference to learners who have struggled in mainstream settings.
- Be part of a growing organisation with ambitious plans and a strong sense of purpose.
The Ideal Candidate
You'll be a resilient, solution-focused leader who thrives in a dynamic environment. You'll be passionate about inclusive education, committed to safeguarding and excited by the opportunity to lead curriculum innovation in a truly unique setting.
Safeguarding
The Outdoors School and The Outdoors Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced educational leader ready to help shape the future of specialist outdoor education, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £43,330.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
