Pastoral Manager

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Job Title: Pastoral Manager
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum depending experience (Not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 08:15 - 15:45
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship

At Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, we're not just building a new school - we're building a new future for the young people who walk through our doors. Many of our pupils have faced complex challenges, and we're here to provide the stability, care, and structure they need to thrive.

Now we're looking for a Pastoral Manager who is compassionate, confident, and committed to making a real impact in the lives of children and young people.

About the role

This isn't just a pastoral role - it's a chance to be a consistent, caring presence for young people who need it most.

As Pastoral Manager, you'll lead the way in creating a school environment where every pupil feels respected, heard, and supported. From day-to-day pastoral care to behaviour planning and emotional regulation, you'll be a vital part of every young person's journey.

You'll work hand-in-hand with the Head of Education, teaching staff, and therapists to shape a nurturing space built on trust, encouragement, and positive relationships.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading daily pastoral care across the school, ensuring every pupil feels safe and supported
• Supporting young people in crisis, helping them regulate emotions and re-engage with learning
• Guiding staff on effective inclusion strategies and positive behaviour support techniques
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and external professionals
• Collaborating with the Head of Education to maintain a safe, therapeutic, and inclusive school environment
• Championing wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion at every level of school life
• Helping pupils grow emotionally, socially, and academically - both inside and outside the classroom

Who We're Looking For

• A passionate pastoral leader with experience supporting children or young people - ideally in a SEN, SEMH, or trauma-informed setting
• A calm, consistent, and solution-focused approach, especially in high-pressure or crisis situations
• A genuine belief that every child deserves a fresh start and the opportunity to thrive
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the confidence to lead, guide, and inspire others
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment
• Full UK Driving Licence

About Us

Abbey Gardens is an exciting new addition to the Acorn Education family, set to open its doors in March/April 2026. Designed to support students aged 11 to 18, the school will offer a nurturing and inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils.

As part of Acorn Education, Abbey Gardens will benefit from a strong foundation of expertise in delivering high-quality education and support, helping pupils thrive both academically and personally.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff - so there's never been a more exciting time to join us !

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.