Design Technology Teacher

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: Design Technology Teacher

Location: Oak Tree School, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9NH

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)

Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am – 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term time only

Start Date: December 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Oak Tree School is on the lookout for a passionate and forward‑thinking Design Technology Teacher to lead the charge in delivering an engaging, hands‑on curriculum that inspires young minds and empowers learners with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs.

This is more than just a teaching job — it’s a chance to shape a flagship department and be a part of something transformative.

About the role:

As a Design Technology Teacher, you will work closely with the headteacher and multidisciplinary teams to create and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPS) that address specific learning objectives and behavioural target.

The Post holder will develop and implement a tailored curriculum for students with SEMH needs promoting holistic academic and personal growth across all key stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging Design & Technology lessons across Functional Skills, AQA Unit Awards, BTEC, and GCSE qualifications
• Create and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to students’ specific learning and behavioural needs
• Assess and adapt teaching strategies to support individual progress across all key stages
• Play a central role in developing a high‑quality, progressive DT curriculum that reflects student interests and learning styles
• Promote emotional resilience, creativity, and self‑confidence in every learner
• Build strong, respectful relationships with families and carers to support a team‑around‑the‑child approach
• Actively contribute to staff CPD, collaborative planning, and whole‑school development
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil welfare, and personal development

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking an individual who is:

• QTS qualified (or currently working towards QTS)
• Experienced in delivering the D&T curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
• Passionate about inclusive education and committed to working with students with SEMH and SEN
• Skilled in developing engaging, creative, and practical learning experiences
• Resilient, empathetic, and solution‑focused in the face of challenge
• An excellent communicator, confident working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Organised, reflective, and open to continuous professional development

Desirable:

• Experience working in a specialist setting (e.g. SEMH, PRU, SEN)
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed practices or restorative approaches

About Us

Oak Tree School in Truro has recently expanded and developed two new buildings and undergone a successful inspection from Ofsted allowing us to offer a wider age range of pupils from 5 – 18 years the opportunity to have the best education possible. Oak Tree School is a specialist SEMH provision positioned near the city of Truro in Cornwall. The school provides full-time specialist co‑education for up to 135 pupils and young people aged 5 to 18 who experience social, emotional, mental health, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours. These pupils and young people often cannot cope, function or achieve within a mainstream environment. The aim is to provide a structured, nurturing approach, with pupils accessing a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum to meet their significant needs.

This opportunity is in Truro which is within commutable distance of Redruth, St Austell and surrounding areas.

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.