Headteacher

About the school

Bradford Beacon School, opened in September 2025, is a brand-new specialist independent school for children aged 4–11 with autism and associated complex needs. Set in a purpose-built, thoughtfully refurbished environment, the school provides a safe, nurturing and inclusive setting where every child feels valued. Pupils follow a broad, enriched curriculum that develops communication, social, emotional and life skills alongside academic achievement. With personalised teaching and therapeutic support from a dedicated staff and clinical team, every child’s individual needs are met. As the school grows to 42 pupils over the next two years, there is an exciting opportunity to help shape its inclusive, supportive culture. Bradford Beacon celebrates every step of progress, empowering pupils to reach their full potential and thrive.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, the organisation is pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in its care.

The role

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a specialist school where every decision has the power to change lives. The successful candidate will lead a talented and dedicated team, creating a culture where pupils are inspired to achieve, colleagues are empowered to excel and innovation is embraced. The role offers the autonomy to lead the school while benefiting from the support, expertise and investment of a national organisation committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

Key responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership, setting the vision and strategic direction to deliver outstanding outcomes for every pupil.
• Lead the development of a broad, ambitious and needs-led curriculum that enables pupils to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
• Drive continuous school improvement through high-quality teaching, effective assessment, robust quality assurance and strategic planning.
• Create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where pupils and staff feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
• Champion safeguarding, ensuring the highest standards of child protection, wellbeing and regulatory compliance across the school.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous professional development.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, local authorities and external partners to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
• Lead the effective management of school operations, budgets, resources and occupancy, ensuring long-term sustainability and continued growth.

Requirements

• Hold QTS/PGCE or equivalent.
• Demonstrate an inspirational and strategic leadership style with a successful track record of driving school improvement and raising standards.
• Show passion for ensuring every child receives the highest quality education and support.
• Have experience of leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Possess skills in strategic planning, operational leadership and financial management.
• Be knowledgeable in safeguarding, curriculum leadership and statutory compliance.
• Experience within SEND or specialist education is desirable but not essential.
• Be driven by integrity, innovation and a relentless commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

Benefits & package

• Salary up to £85,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Permanent contract, term time only
• Life assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, hundreds of UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob or request the school contact after signing in.