Head of School - The Outdoors Group
- Mid Devon, South Hams, Devon
- Full Time
- £50,000 - £61,080
Location: Across all school sites (South Brent, Shillingford, Tiverton and Crediton)
We are excited to invite applications for a Head of School to join The Outdoors School - a unique and innovative independent special school delivering education entirely in an outdoors setting.
About us
The Outdoors School provides a specialist provision for learners with SEMH and ASD, using a project-based, learner-led approach that prioritises personal development, wellbeing and lifelong skills. As we continue to grow across multiple sites, this is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of an ambitious and values-driven organisation.
The role
As Head of School, you will provide strategic leadership and oversee the day-to-day running of the school across multiple sites. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, you will:
• Lead and develop a high-performing Senior Leadership Team
• Drive school improvement and maintain high standards of teaching, learning and behaviour
• Embed a strong culture of safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion
• Champion a learner-centred, outdoor and holistic approach to education
• Ensure consistency, quality and compliance across all sites
This is a non-teaching role, focused on leadership, coaching and enabling others to deliver exceptional outcomes for learners.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking an experienced and values-driven leader who:
• Has a strong track record of school improvement and team leadership
• Understands needs-based education, particularly within SEMH and/or SEND contexts
• Can inspire, challenge and develop others
• Is resilient, adaptable and committed to working in an outdoor environment
• Shares our belief in holistic, nature-based education
What we offer
• A unique opportunity to lead within an innovative and growing organisation
• A strong, supportive Executive Leadership Team
• The chance to shape provision across multiple sites
• A culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth
• A values-driven, friendly, collaborative organisation
• Beautiful outdoor work environments
• Funded Qualifications (eg Forest School Level 3) and continued professional development (CPD)
• Company pension scheme
• Company-funded Employee Assistant Program via Mintago supporting you financial well-being with tools for budgeting, saving, pension tracking, childcare vouchers and access to exclusive retail discounts
• Workplace health and wellbeing support through Health Assured including 24/7 counselling, mental health resources and holistic wellness guidance
• 10% staff discount across all The Outdoors Group services
• Annual staff celebration event
If you are passionate about transforming education for learners and want to lead in a truly distinctive setting, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
You must complete our official application form. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our safeguarding procedures, we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application form. Applications submitted without a fully completed application form will not be considered for the role.
Contact: Reach out to our Recruitment team at Recruitment@outdoorsgroup.co.uk for any support, questions or queries.
To apply please visit ; https://tog.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=a21ef8ac-059e-4b82-8b4c-66fb2cc84f4f
Job Details
- OrganisationOther Organisations
- Work LocationMid DevonSouth HamsDevon
- Work Postcode
Devon
- Reference
JS08053
- Occupational GroupSchool LeadershipTeaching - Special & OtherYouth & Community
- Salary Details
£50,000 - £61,080
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37.5 hours a week (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
- Closing Date
05/04/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes