Senior Teacher - Vocational Curriculum

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 #teamOFG.

Job Title: Senior Teacher - Vocational Curriculum
Location: Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate, East Sussex, TN5 7EL
Salary:     Up to £48,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm including 1 x 5pm finish
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        April 2026
UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship.

Bricklehurst Manor School is seeking an inspirational and forward-thinking Senior Teacher – Vocational Curriculum to lead, develop and champion a high-impact vocational offer for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for a passionate educator who believes in the power of hands-on, meaningful learning to re-engage young people, build confidence and prepare them for life beyond school. You’ll combine strategic leadership with classroom practice, shaping pathways that lead to real qualifications, real skills and real futures.

About the Role

You will have strategic responsibility for the design, delivery and quality assurance of the vocational curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4. Working closely with senior leaders, staff, employers and external partners, you’ll ensure our vocational pathways are practical, engaging and aligned with post-16 education, training and employment opportunities.

With a 50% teaching timetable, you’ll lead by example—delivering high-quality vocational learning while driving innovation, consistency and excellence across the school.

Vocational Curriculum Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of an innovative, inclusive vocational curriculum tailored to pupils with complex SEMH needs
• Act as Quality Nominee for all vocational qualifications, ensuring internal and external quality assurance standards are met
• Expand and diversify vocational pathways (e.g. Entry Level, Functional Skills, NVQs) across areas such as horticulture, catering, motor vehicle maintenance and animal care
• Oversee assessment, portfolios and accreditation processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Manage budgets, resources and specialist equipment to support high-quality vocational delivery

Partnerships & Pathways

• Build strong partnerships with the Outcomes First Futures Team, local employers, colleges and community organisations
• Secure meaningful work experience placements and post-16 pathways that support long-term outcomes

Teaching & Student Development

• Model outstanding vocational teaching practice through engaging, practical and differentiated lessons
• Use creative, therapeutic approaches to engage reluctant learners and inspire achievement
• Support pupils’ independence, wellbeing, communication and self-regulation through vocational learning
• Contribute to EHCPs and transition planning, ensuring pupils are prepared for adulthood
• Apply expert behaviour management and de-escalation strategies in practical learning environments

Staff Leadership & Development

• Line manage, mentor and coach vocational teaching and support staff
• Identify training needs and lead professional development linked to vocational delivery
• Contribute to the school’s wider strategic vision and improvement priorities

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a relevant vocational teaching qualification (e.g. Cert Ed)
• Proven experience delivering and managing vocational qualifications
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour
• Demonstrable success in managing budgets, resources and external partnerships

This is more than just a teaching role – it’s a chance to leave a lasting impact. You will help shape the culture, ethos, and curriculum of a school designed to empower pupils to achieve their best. Bricklehurst Manor offers a creative, inclusive, and supportive environment, where innovation is encouraged and every member of staff is valued as part of our growing team.

About the School

Bricklehurst Manor School is a brand-new, co-educational SEMH school located in Wadhurst, East Sussex, for pupils aged 11–16. The school will cater for up to 60 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated additional needs.

This is a unique opportunity to join the school at its inception, helping to shape the culture, ethos, and learning environment. With small class sizes and a strong focus on personalised support, Bricklehurst Manor School provides a nurturing, inclusive setting where every pupil can build confidence, resilience, and achieve their full potential.

We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress

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.

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 the 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.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit 

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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