Careers Teacher

Full Job Description

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Job Title: Careers Teacher
Location: Heath Farm School, Ashford, TN27 0AX
Hours:      35 hours per week | Monday to Friday 
Salary:      Up to £45,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As our Careers Lead, you will be the driving force behind a high-quality, forward-thinking careers programme that meets the Gatsby Benchmarks and prepares students for a rapidly evolving world. You’ll have the authority, autonomy and support to innovate, influence and lead.

Alongside this, you will be a class tutor for a small cohort of 8 students, guiding them through personal development, wellbeing and essential life skills.

This is a unique opportunity to lead whole-school careers strategy while also nurturing a small tutor group and teaching key personal development subjects. If you’re ready to shape a programme that truly changes lives, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead & Inspire

• Design and deliver a whole-school careers programme that meets the Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Guide and support colleagues, external partners and careers advisers.
• Advise senior leaders and governors on careers strategy, policy and resources.
• Evaluate and develop the CEIAG programme, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Keep our careers provision future-focused, responsive and ambitious.

Teach, Coordinate & Empower

• Teach careers, PSHE and RE/Skills Builder/wellbeing lessons.
• Manage work experience placements for Years 10–13.
• Oversee labour market information, careers resources and the careers section of the school website.
• Coordinate employer encounters, careers events and external provider access.
• Support students and families with personalised careers development.

Build Partnerships & Networks

• Develop strong links with colleges, apprenticeship providers, UTCs and universities.
• Build relationships with employers and alumni to enrich the careers programme.
• Commission external careers services and secure funding for careers-related projects.

About You

You’ll be someone who:

• QTS or equivalent is required.
• Has the confidence to lead, influence and innovate.
• Is passionate about careers education and student development.
• Communicates with clarity, empathy and purpose.
• Thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment.
• Brings energy, organisation and a commitment to excellence.
• Holds a full driving licence.

About Us 

Heath Farm School is an independent specialist day school in Charing Heath, Kent, supporting children with SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties, including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and attachment disorder.

Set in a spacious rural environment, pupils learn in small classes with personalised support and tailored therapy. Our curriculum combines academic, vocational, and wellbeing-focused learning to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Working closely with families, we empower every pupil to achieve their potential and prepare for life beyond school.

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.

#1