Science Teacher

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: Science Teacher
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata )
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

Our new Acorn Education school is seeking an inspiring Science Teacher, passionate about SEND education, to lead and develop our Science provision and help shape the learning experience for every pupil. Our school primarily supports pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside other complex challenges, so this role is central to helping them thrive.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, growing SEMH-focused school as a Science Teacher. You will spark curiosity and a love of learning through hands-on, engaging lessons designed to motivate and challenge pupils with SEMH needs. You will personalise your teaching to meet individual social, emotional, and academic needs, supporting pupils to build resilience, confidence, and practical skills in a nurturing, inclusive environment.

You will work closely with Learning Support Assistants, families, and external professionals to ensure each pupil's journey is meaningful and impactful. Beyond teaching, you will contribute to curriculum development, assessment strategies, and school improvement initiatives, shaping the future of our Science provision and leaving a lasting impact on both the pupils and the school community.

About You

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Proven experience teaching Science to SEMH or SEND learners, including pupils with challenging behaviour
• Strong knowledge of curriculum frameworks, assessment, and SEMH best practices
• Calm, patient, and resilient, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Passionate about inspiring curiosity and fostering a love of learning

Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will:

• Engage pupils in a calm, patient, and motivating manner
• Demonstrate resilience, creativity, and innovation in their teaching approach
• Be committed to contributing to the growth and development of our SEMH school community
• Show energy, passion, and professional excellence that inspires both students and colleagues

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.