Pastoral Assistant at Outcomes First Group, Ipswich

At OFG Education we believe in creating a better work life balance

Job Title:  Pastoral Assistant
Location:  Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Hours:  37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday     
Salary: Up to £24,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  January 2027       
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive both personally and academically? Do you believe that strong relationships, understanding and encouragement can help students overcome challenges and achieve their potential? We are looking for a caring and dedicated Pastoral Assistant to join our specialist education team and help create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported and able to succeed.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Safeguarding Lead and SENCO, you will play a vital role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing, personal development and engagement with learning. You will provide individual and targeted pastoral support, help students navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom, and work collaboratively with families and external professionals to ensure every student receives the guidance and support they need.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience and positive futures.

What you will be doing

• Providing high-quality pastoral, emotional and wellbeing support to students.
• Building trusted, positive relationships that help students feel safe, understood and supported.
• Supporting students through difficult situations and helping them re-engage with learning and school life.
• Working closely with families, carers and external agencies to provide consistent support around each student.
• Supporting safeguarding, SEND and EHCP processes alongside the Safeguarding Lead and SENCO.
• Delivering targeted interventions to support behaviour, attendance, emotional regulation and personal development.
• Monitoring student wellbeing and identifying appropriate strategies and support where needed.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to reports, meetings and multi-agency communications.
• Supporting enrichment activities, community projects and work-related learning opportunities.
• Promoting a caring, inclusive and nurturing school culture where every student can flourish.

What you will bring

• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• A genuine passion for supporting the wellbeing and development of young people.
• An understanding of the social, emotional and behavioural challenges some students may experience.
• The ability to remain calm, compassionate and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to quickly gain the trust of students.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for all students.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This role would suit someone who is empathetic, resilient and committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard and supported to achieve their very best.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive.

Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student’s individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills.

As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students 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 students 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.

OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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.