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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher - Personal Development and Wellbeing
Location: Groveside School, Reading, RG2 7AY
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £1000.00! T&C's apply**
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you a dynamic, compassionate and forward‑thinking leader who believes in the power of relationships, creativity and personal development to transform young lives? Groveside School is seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development & Wellbeing to join our leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our school’s journey.
This is a rare opportunity to take a strategic lead on personal development, wellbeing and the wider curriculum in a school that places creativity, connection and pupil experience at the heart of everything we do.
What you will be doing
- Inspire pupils and staff through exceptional teaching, high expectations and a passion for personal development and wellbeing.
- Lead on the quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, modelling outstanding practice and driving continual improvement.
- Develop, implement and monitor effective assessment systems and an enriching, creative curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all pupils.
- Build secure, trusting relationships with young people, including through trauma‑informed and restorative approaches.
- Motivate, support and develop staff across a collaborative team, ensuring consistent implementation of school policies and high standards.
- Monitor pupil progress and targets to ensure every learner achieves ambitious, personalised outcomes.
- Contribute strategically to the School Development Plan and lead whole‑school improvement initiatives with clarity and purpose.
- Communicate effectively with pupils, staff, families and external partners, remaining calm, approachable and solution‑focused.
- Work as a key member of the multi‑disciplinary team, strengthening links across education, clinical and pastoral provision.
- Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and professional conduct, promoting a positive and aspirational school culture.
What you will bring
- QTS or equivalent required
- A proven ability to deliver high‑quality teaching and learning, modelling excellent practice and inspiring others to do the same.
- Strong leadership skills with the confidence to drive whole‑school improvement, develop staff and lead strategic initiatives with clarity and purpose.
- A deep commitment to personal development, wellbeing and inclusion, with the ability to build secure, trusting relationships with young people.
- Expertise in curriculum design, assessment systems and monitoring progress to ensure every pupil achieves ambitious, personalised outcomes.
- The emotional intelligence, resilience and communication skills needed to work collaboratively across multi‑disciplinary teams, families and external partners.
- A reflective, solution‑focused approach, grounded in safeguarding excellence, professional integrity and a passion for creating exceptional pupil experiences.
About Us
Groveside School is a Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.
To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:
- To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
- To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
- To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
- To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
- To develop your career.
- To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.
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.
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £500 after completion of 3 months and one further payment of £500 upon completion of your final probation period. Terms and Conditions Apply
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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