Pastoral Practitioner

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

We believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.

Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

Salary: £26,775.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: February 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

The Pastoral Practitioner plays a key role in supporting pupils’ academic, social, and emotional development. Working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver targeted 1:1 mentoring and support, helping pupils grow in confidence, resilience, and independence. Your work contributes to a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where pupils can thrive.

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils
• Provide 1:1 mentoring and tailored support to pupils
• Assist pupils during lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes, including behaviour management and facilitating activities
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need and implement appropriate support
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to monitor progress and provide guidance
• Implement and maintain reward and sanction systems consistently

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff, and families
• Calm, consistent, and supportive approach in challenging situations
• Proactive, reflective approach to problem‑solving and pupil support
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils’ wellbeing
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Energy, creativity, and inspiration to thrive in a school that values curiosity, innovation, and the potential of every pupil

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience.

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.

We are proud to have been officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running in 2025.

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 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
• 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
• 4-Day Working Week:
  Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*

* 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.