Pastoral Assistant in Leigh

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.

As a Pastoral Assistant, you will help create a positive, caring, and inclusive school environment where every pupil feels valued and supported. You will provide direct pastoral care to students, including those experiencing crisis or requiring additional emotional support, while working closely with staff to ensure consistent approaches across the school. Working alongside the Head of Behaviour and Welfare and the wider leadership team, you will help implement pastoral strategies, guide staff on effective support, and contribute to the holistic development of pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a respectful, inclusive environment recognising the value and individuality of every pupil
• Ensure school policies, procedures, and day-to-day practice reflect the school’s ethos and challenge any inappropriate behaviour
• Provide direct pastoral support throughout the school day, including emotional and behavioural support
• Assist class teachers with classroom management, supervision, and care
• Contribute to the development and delivery of individual education, behaviour, and support programmes

About You

• Experience working in challenging educational environments
• Proven success supporting pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs
• Strong knowledge of strategies to support social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Commitment to professional standards, quality practice, and continuous improvement

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists. We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges.

Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress.

In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.

Why Join Us?

• 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

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. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*4DWW 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.