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. Role:
Farm Hand Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA Salary:
£25,837.50 per annum (
not pro rata
) Hours:
37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Rota - TBC Contract: Permanent, 52 weeks Start:
November 2025 Driving: Full UK Driving Licence required Age Requirement: Over 18’s only due to lone working As part of our continued growth, Wessex Lodge School is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a hands-on Farm Hand to join our close-knit team at Newmead Farm in Maiden Bradley. This is a unique chance to work with animals, support pupils’ real-world learning, and play a key role in the smooth running of our school farm. About the Role We’re looking for a hands-on Farm Hand to care for our animals and support the smooth running of the school farm. You’ll help maintain high standards of animal welfare, ensure a safe and clean environment, and contribute to real-world learning experiences for our pupils. We are seeking a passionate, practical individual to care for our animals and maintain the farm to the highest standards. You will play a vital role in ensuring animal welfare, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and supporting pupils in hands-on farm experiences. Key Responsibilities Care for and monitor the health of all farm animals Feed, clean, and maintain livestock areas Carry out practical farm tasks, including fencing repairs, machinery use, and vehicle operation Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations Support students with safe, hands-on farm learning experiences Maintain accurate records and provide clear handovers to weekend staff Contribute to land management, biodiversity, and biosecurity practices Participate in the school’s curriculum enrichment activities related to the farm Who We’re Looking For Passionate about animal care and working outdoors Practical, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, animal welfare and farm safety standards Proactive, with strong attention to detail and a good work ethic Committed to supporting the school’s ethos and providing the highest standards of car Qualifications & Experience Experience in farm animal care or practical farming tasks is essential Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a farm environment is desirable This is a rewarding role where you will make a real difference every day – caring for animals, supporting pupils’ learning, and being an integral part of a school community committed to excellence. About Us Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities. Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student. The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you! 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 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. #1