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 were putting wellbeing first.
Thats why were 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 its already in place or just around the corner, nows the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Employability/Careers Teacher
Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB
Salary: From £32,000 per annum dependent on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: November 2025
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
As part of our continued growth, we are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Employability/Careers Teacher to join our dedicated, close-knit team at Parkside House School, part of Acorn Education.
This is a chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people, supporting them to develop the skills, confidence, and aspirations they need to thrive beyond school. You will deliver high-quality careers education across Key Stages 3 and 4, helping pupils explore pathways, work experience, and future opportunities while fostering personal growth, resilience, and independence.
You will play a key role in supporting students integration into our school and extend your support to pupils in other educational provisions. Your involvement will go beyond the classroom, contributing to a broad and varied curriculum and actively supporting enrichment and out-of-classroom activities.
Safeguarding and child protection are central to this role. You will follow all school policies and procedures related to pupil welfare, including procedures for illness, absence, and behaviour management. Youll also attend and contribute to meetings focused on education, wellbeing, and departmental initiatives, helping shape the strategic delivery of careers and employability support.
You will receive ongoing professional development, regular line management, and opportunities to attend external training and qualification courses relevant to your role. Youll also confidently use ICT to enhance teaching, communication, and record-keeping.
What Were Looking For
* UK QTS or equivalent.
* Experience delivering careers education or employability support, ideally within KS3/4.
* Confidence supporting pupils across multiple provisions and in out-of-classroom activities.
* Excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills.
* Professionalism and resilience when dealing with challenging situations.
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
* Full UK Driving Licence
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver careers education for KS3/4 pupils, developing skills and aspiration.
* Support pupils personal development, achievement, and integration into school.
* Contribute to a broad curriculum including out-of-classroom activities.
* Maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment.
* Ensure child protection and safeguarding procedures are rigorously followed.
* Attend meetings related to pupil education, behaviour, and welfare.
* Use ICT effectively for communication, teaching, and record-keeping.
* Perform reasonable duties as directed by the Head of School or their representatives.
About Us
Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential.
Acorn Education is the UKs leading independent provider of specialist education and care for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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 youll 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 youll 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 thats right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100s 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.
*Youll 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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