Design Technology Teacher

Acorn Care and Education; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent special education provider is seeking a Design Technology Teacher to inspire students and lead a transformative curriculum at Oak Tree School. This position offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment, specifically catering to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The ideal candidate will possess QTS and experience in delivering the D&T curriculum, along with a passion for inclusive education.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• QTS qualification is required.
• Experience delivering D&T at Key Stages 3 and 4 is essential.
• Passion for working with students with SEMH and SEN.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging Design & Technology lessons across various qualifications.
• Create and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assess and adapt teaching strategies for individual progress.

Skills

Experience in delivering the D&T curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

Passionate about inclusive education

Skilled in developing engaging, creative, and practical learning experiences

Resilient and solution-focused

Excellent communicator

Education

QTS qualified (or currently working towards QTS)

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, 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 (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title

Design Technology Teacher

Location

Oak Tree School, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9NH

Salary

Up to £40,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)

Hours

42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4.30pm

Contract

Permanent, Term time only

Start Date

December 2025

UK Applicants Only

This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the role

Oak Tree School is on the lookout for a passionate and forward-thinking Design Technology Teacher to lead the charge in delivering an engaging, hands-on curriculum that inspires young minds and empowers learners with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs.

This is more than just a teaching job — it’s a chance to shape a flagship department and be a part of something transformative.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging Design & Technology lessons across Functional Skills, AQA Unit Awards, BTEC, and GCSE qualifications
• Create and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to students’ specific learning and behavioural needs
• Assess and adapt teaching strategies to support individual progress across all key stages
• Play a central role in developing a high-quality, progressive DT curriculum that reflects student interests and learning styles
• Promote emotional resilience, creativity, and self-confidence in every learner
• Build strong, respectful relationships with families and carers to support a team‑around‑the‑child approach
• Actively contribute to staff CPD, collaborative planning, and whole‑school development
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil welfare, and personal development

Qualifications

• QTS qualified (or currently working towards QTS)
• Experienced in delivering the D&T curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
• Passionate about inclusive education and committed to working with students with SEMH and SEN
• Skilled in developing engaging, creative, and practical learning experiences
• Resilient, empathetic, and solution‑focused in the face of challenge
• An excellent communicator, confident working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Organised, reflective, and open to continuous professional development

Desirable

• Experience working in a specialist setting (e.g. SEMH, PRU, SEN)
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed practices or restorative approaches

About the Provider

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

8DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit. You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.

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.