Job Title: Pastoral Manager
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum (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.
We are proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week trial, enabling staff to work 37.5 hours over 4 days while maintaining full‑time pay.
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.
Benefits
* 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.
* 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.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
We’re 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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