At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the pastoral team, shaping student wellbeing and PSHE curriculum.
- Company: Join a supportive school focused on making a real difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' lives while enjoying a flexible work schedule.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with experience in supporting diverse student needs.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a peaceful woodland environment.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 61600 £ per year.
Get Paid for Five Days... but Only Work Four!
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am–5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.
About the Role
The Head of Faculty (Pastoral) plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the pastoral and PSHE provision across the school, ensuring every student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the SENDCo, clinical team, and other key stakeholders, you will lead a team dedicated to high-quality pastoral care and PSHE delivery across all key stages. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, ensuring the pastoral curriculum is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all learners.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead an inspirational PSHE curriculum and pastoral programme across all key stages and sites
- Ensure the delivery of statutory PSHE content alongside additional pastoral support for students' social, emotional, and personal development
- Raise standards of pupil attainment and wellbeing within the pastoral faculty, monitoring progress and implementing targeted interventions
- Lead and inspire the pastoral team, providing performance management, supervision, and career development support
- Ensure the pastoral curriculum and PSHE schemes of work are broad, balanced, differentiated, and regularly updated in line with national developments and school priorities
This role is ideal for a dynamic, reflective leader with a passion for pastoral care, PSHE, and student wellbeing, who is committed to making a lasting impact on young people's lives.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
- Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching PSHE
- Creative & Flexible: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil's individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Benefits include:
- Life Assurance & Pension scheme
- Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay (Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.)
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
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.
Head of Faculty - Pastoral in Heathfield employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty - Pastoral in Heathfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at The Greater Horseshoe School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our team culture. We love candidates who resonate with our commitment to student wellbeing!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around pastoral care and PSHE. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in students' lives, so have some examples ready to share!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining #teamOFG and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty - Pastoral in Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Faculty - Pastoral. We want to see your passion for pastoral care and PSHE, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a pivotal leader, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership style in your application. Share examples of how you've inspired teams or improved student wellbeing in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can lead with compassion and resilience!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about making a difference in students' lives. Share your story and what drives you in the field of education.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join #teamOFG and be part of our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Pastoral Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pastoral care and PSHE. Be ready to discuss how you would develop an engaging curriculum and support students' emotional and social needs. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your understanding of SEMH needs.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Faculty, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Have some examples ready where you’ve motivated others or implemented effective performance management strategies.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations. For instance, how would you handle a student struggling with personal issues? Think through your approach to building trusting relationships and providing tailored support, and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Align with Their Values
Research The Greater Horseshoe School and Outcomes First Group's values and mission. Be ready to explain why you resonate with their commitment to wellbeing and how you can contribute to creating a caring, inclusive environment for students. Show them you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a difference.