Overview
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: Vocational Head of Faculty
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: October 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Vocational Head of Faculty to join our close-knit team at The Greater Horseshoe School, part of Acorn Education.
About the Role
As Vocational Head of Faculty, you will play a pivotal role in leading our Vocational Department at The Greater Horseshoe School, part of Acorn Education. Reporting to a senior leader responsible for Personal Development, you will oversee a diverse range of City & Guilds vocational qualifications, including:
* Entry Level 3 Skills for Working Life
* Level 1 Horticulture, Animal Care, Culinary Skills, Construction, Woodwork, Horse Care
You will be responsible for leading and supporting a passionate team, ensuring high-quality planning, delivery, and assessment across all vocational subjects. Acting as the lead Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), you will liaise with External Quality Assurers (EQAs), lead half-termly standardisation meetings, and collaborate with the Exams Officer and SENCO to ensure all access arrangements and assessments run smoothly.
In addition to leadership, you will teach small groups of students, supporting them in developing practical knowledge, skills, and understanding in your specialist vocational subject—ideally Construction—up to City & Guilds Level 1 and potentially Level 2. You will take responsibility for the full teaching cycle, from planning and delivery to assessment and feedback.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious professional with:
* Extensive City & Guilds experience as an assessor and IQA
* TAQA qualification (or willingness to complete within 6 months)
* Experience using the Walled Garden system
* Proven leadership experience and ability to manage a team
* Experience running standardisation meetings, including preparing agendas
You’ll be passionate about vocational education, committed to high standards, and skilled at motivating both staff and students to achieve their potential.
About Us
The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school for pupils aged 8 to 18 years old. The school is situated in a peaceful woodland setting near Newton Abbot in Devon. Our school facilities are complemented by our nearby care farm, where we offer animal care, horticulture and a wide range of outdoor educational activities alongside academic and vocational programmes.
We are committed to providing the best education for pupils with complex needs. We offer a unique tailored programme for every pupil, combining a therapeutic approach, outdoor learning and individual academic and vocational programmes to suit each student. Everything that we do is based on thoroughly understanding the needs of our students and how we can best support them in achieving positive outcomes.
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.
*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
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