Acorn Care and Education • Chipping Norton

Pastoral Assistant

About this role

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title

Pastoral Assistant

Location

Park School, Chipping Norton, OX7 5QH

Hours

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4.30am

Salary

Up to £25,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start

September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Assistant to join our team at Park School and play a key role in supporting pupils’ behaviour, wellbeing and engagement. This is more than a support role — it’s your chance to build relationships, change outcomes and help young people succeed every day.

As a Pastoral Assistant, you’ll work at the heart of school life, supporting pupils who may be struggling with behaviour, engagement or emotional regulation. You’ll provide targeted support, help de-escalate challenging situations and work closely with staff and external partners to ensure every pupil feels supported, understood and ready to learn.

Key Responsibilities

Support to Students

Providing 1

1 and group support for pupils at risk of disengagement

Helping pupils understand and develop positive behaviour and responses

Supporting during lessons, breaks, lunchtimes and educational visits

Calmly de-escalating challenging situations and promoting reflection

Support to Staff

Acting as a positive role model for pupils and colleagues

Working closely with teachers, pastoral leads and external professionals

Monitoring progress and contributing to behaviour support plans

Recording and reporting key information to support pupil outcomes

Assisting with incident follow-up, including gathering statements when needed

You will have

GCSE English and Maths or equivalent

Calm, patient and confident in challenging situations

Passionate about supporting young people and improving outcomes

A strong communicator who builds positive relationships easily

Proactive, reflective and able to work as part of a team

Committed to inclusion, safeguarding and high standards

About Us

Park School is an independent specialist day school in Chipping Norton for boys and girls aged 7–18 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

We provide personalised education in small classes, helping pupils re-engage with learning and achieve positive outcomes. Our holistic approach builds confidence, resilience, and academic progress. At Park School, we support every pupil to develop the skills and self-belief needed for a successful 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. 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

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.

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