Head of Learning - Vocational

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Job Title

Head of Learning - Vocational

Location

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

Salary

Up to £48,000 per annum (depending on 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

October 2026

UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Are you a passionate vocational educator who believes every young person deserves a future filled with opportunity, purpose, and pride? Do you thrive in practical learning environments and love seeing students grow in confidence, independence, and ambition? If so, this is your chance to lead something truly transformative.

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and resilient Vocational Curriculum Lead to shape and deliver a high‑quality vocational offer for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a role for someone who can think strategically, teach creatively, and lead with heart.

What you will be doing

Lead the design and delivery of an engaging, practical vocational curriculum for KS3–4 students with SEMH needs.

Drive the school’s Careers & Enterprise strategy, ensuring full compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Develop and oversee school‑based enterprise projects that build real‑world skills and financial literacy.

Act as the Quality Nominee, ensuring all vocational qualifications meet internal and external standards.

Expand and manage a diverse range of vocational pathways and accredited qualifications.

Build strong partnerships with employers, colleges, and community organisations to secure work experience and post‑16 opportunities.

Deliver high‑quality, hands‑on vocational teaching (50% timetable) tailored to SEMH learners.

Support students’ personal development, independence, and transition planning through practical learning.

Line‑manage, mentor, and develop vocational staff to ensure consistently high standards.

Contribute strategically to whole‑school improvement, ensuring vocational learning drives positive outcomes.

Who We’re Looking For

QTS or relevant vocational teaching qualification

Level 6 Diploma in Careers Advice & Guidance (or willingness to work towards).

Experience delivering and managing vocational qualifications, ideally in SEMH or alternative provision.

Strong understanding of the Gatsby Benchmarks and external partnership working.

A proven ability to work effectively with students with SEMH needs.

Driving licence required

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.

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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