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- Tasks: Lead maintenance and health and safety at Abbey Gardens School, ensuring outstanding practice.
- Company: Join Acorn Education, a top UK provider of specialist education, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Full UK Driving Licence required; ideal for those passionate about education and student engagement.
- Other info: Position starts January 2026; be part of a new school opening soon!
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
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: Facilities Manager
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6SA
Salary: Up to £35,000.00 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday,
Contract: Permanent, Full Time – 52 weeks contract
Start Date: January 2026
Essential: Full UK Driving Licence
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Facilities Manager to join our close-knit team at Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education.
If you are looking to join a dedicated team in a school that will welcome your ideas and re-engage our pupils, we would like to hear from you. The successful candidate will lead in the maintenance and health and safety across our school.
Our next Facilities Manager will have a strong ability to solve problems independently, have high expectations and standards and will lead our facilities department, deliver training and ensure our practice remains outstanding at all times. There will need for a high degree of accuracy working in accordance with the health and safety policies and procedures of Outcomes First Group
Who are we looking for?
The ideal candidate will enjoy working with pupils in a calm and engaging demeanour, whilst being resilient and innovative.
An ability to contribute to the development of our new school is essential and we believe that energy, passion, and a commitment to high standards are key characteristics required. We are looking for a special individual who can help inspire and engage the students that we serve.
This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their skills and experience in a challenging, motivating and highly rewarding environment.
For a full list of Duties and Responsibilities, please see the Job Description
About Us
Abbey Gardens is an exciting new addition to the Acorn Education family, set to open its doors in March/April 2026. Designed to support students aged 11 to 18, the school will offer a nurturing and inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils.
As part of Acorn Education, Abbey Gardens will benefit from a strong foundation of expertise in delivering high-quality education and support, helping pupils thrive both academically and personally.
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.
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.
*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
#1
Facilities Manager employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 4-Day Working Week model. Understanding how this unique work structure operates will help you articulate your enthusiasm for it during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Abbey Gardens School and Acorn Education. Knowing their values, mission, and recent developments will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed facilities or health and safety in previous roles. Being able to share specific instances where you've solved problems or improved processes will showcase your capability as a Facilities Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Outcomes First Group. Engaging with them can provide insider insights about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in facilities management, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise your problem-solving skills and any previous roles where you led a team or managed health and safety protocols.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating a positive environment for students. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to similar roles in the past and how you align with the values of Outcomes First Group.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any certifications or training related to health and safety, facilities management, or education. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards and compliance with policies.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: The role requires resilience and innovation. Use your application to illustrate how you've successfully engaged with students or colleagues in challenging situations, showcasing your calm demeanour and ability to inspire others.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Research the School and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Abbey Gardens School and its values. Understanding their commitment to wellbeing and the 4-Day Working Week will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a Facilities Manager, you'll need to solve problems independently. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges, particularly in maintenance or health and safety contexts. This will highlight your ability to think on your feet.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Qualities
The role requires leading a facilities department and delivering training. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated and engaged teams in previous roles. This will show that you can inspire others in a school environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in the Facilities Manager role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
