Food Technology Teacher / Instructor (Stonegate)

Location: Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate, East Sussex, TN5 7EL

Salary: Up to £46,000 per annum based upon qualifications and experience (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm including 1 x 5pm finish

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: May 2026

UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Bricklehurst Manor School is seeking an inspirational Food Technology Teacher or experienced Instructor to deliver engaging, purposeful learning to pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is not simply a classroom role — it is an opportunity to reimagine what Food education can be. You will design and deliver a dynamic Food curriculum that blends practical cookery skills, nutrition, health awareness, and employability pathways. Beyond teaching core skills, you will have the opportunity to develop enterprise-led initiatives within Food — such as student-run catering projects, small-scale hospitality ventures, community food events, or internal enterprise opportunities that build confidence, responsibility and real-world experience.

We are looking for someone excited by the idea of creating sustainable, hands-on enterprise opportunities that give pupils meaningful insight into future careers. Whether you are a qualified teacher or a highly skilled instructor with strong industry experience, what matters most is your ability to engage, motivate and inspire. You will create a safe, structured and aspirational learning environment where pupils can experience success, often for the first time. Working collaboratively with pastoral teams and senior leaders, you will ensure learning is personalised, therapeutic in approach, and aligned to wider school outcomes. This role offers genuine professional autonomy, creativity and the opportunity to build something impactful within a supportive and forward-thinking school community.

Who We’re Looking For

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status or brings strong vocational/industry experience in catering, hospitality or food production
• Is passionate about practical, skills-based learning and alternative pathways
• Understands (or is eager to learn about) working with pupils with SEMH needs
• Is creative, entrepreneurial and excited by developing enterprise opportunities within a school setting
• Can build positive, consistent relationships that foster trust and engagement
• Brings high expectations alongside empathy, resilience and adaptability

You might be an experienced teacher seeking greater autonomy. You might be an industry professional ready to step into education. Or you might be someone who believes that Food can transform confidence, independence and life chances. If you are motivated by seeing young people thrive through practical achievement — and want the freedom to shape a curriculum with real-world impact — we would love to hear from you.

About the School

Bricklehurst Manor School is a brand-new, co-educational SEMH school located in Wadhurst, East Sussex, for pupils aged 11–16. The school will cater for up to 60 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated additional needs. This is a unique opportunity to join the school at its inception, helping to shape the culture, ethos, and learning environment. With small class sizes and a strong focus on personalised support, Bricklehurst Manor School provides a nurturing, inclusive setting where every pupil can build confidence, resilience, and achieve their full potential.

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.

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. We are committed to the 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.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*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. 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.