Deputy Headteacher

Get Paid for Five Days… but Only Work Four!

Position:  Deputy Headteacher
Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary:     Up to £60,000 per annum plus £1,000 Welcome Bonus**
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        February 2026

UK applicants only — this role does not offer sponsorship

At Outcomes First Group, we believe life is about more than work. That’s why many of our schools are trialling a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW)—work one day less each week while keeping full pay. Now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG and put your wellbeing first.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, inspiring Deputy Headteacher to join Groveside School and play a pivotal role in shaping an ambitious, inclusive, and high-performing school culture.

You will provide strategic leadership across curriculum, creativity, and personal development, supporting the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and staff development. You will lead initiatives to improve school performance, promote trauma-informed and restorative practices, and foster a culture of collaboration, ambition, and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the curriculum, teaching, and personal development offer
• Monitor and drive pupil outcomes, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning
• Coach, inspire, and develop staff to deliver excellence
• Contribute to and implement the School Development Plan
• Work collaboratively with families, multi-disciplinary teams, and stakeholders
• Support the Headteacher in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational management

About You

• Inspirational school leader with a clear vision for curriculum and pupil outcomes
• Qualified Teacher (QTS) with outstanding classroom experience
• Resilient, approachable, and collaborative
• Creative thinker with the ability to bring learning to life
• Excellent communicator able to motivate and influence others
• Passionate about building strong relationships with pupils and staff, with a sense of humour

Key Dates

• Shortlisting: 4th February 2026
• Interviews: 12th February 2026

Why Join Us?

Groveside School offers the opportunity to:

• Work in a school passionate about achievement for all pupils
• Teach fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic, engaging curriculum
• Benefit from a strong induction programme tailored to your experience
• Work collaboratively in a supportive environment where professional development is essential
• Develop your career and make a lasting impact
• Create exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all
• Enjoy the flexibility of a 4-Day Working Week, supporting your wellbeing and work-life balance

About Us

Groveside School is a Brand-New 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.  

As part of Acorn Education and the Outcomes First Group, you’ll be part of an innovative organisation making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives. 

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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us. Our reward package includes:

• Life Assurance & Pension scheme
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support, physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with a wide range of perks
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
• 4-Day Working Week : Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

Welcome Bonus: £1,000 payable in two instalments after months 3 and 6 of probation. *Terms and conditions apply.

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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