Pastoral Manager

Wetheringsett Manor School; Wetheringsett; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent SEMH School in Suffolk is seeking a Pastoral Manager to nurture a positive environment and support children with diverse needs. The role involves direct support for students in crisis, collaboration with teachers, and ensuring the school's values are upheld. Ideal candidates are calm, compassionate, and strong communicators, committed to making a difference. This position offers a competitive salary and a 4-day working week.

Benefits

4-Day Working Week

Life Assurance Pension scheme

Access to mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform with various options

Qualifications

• Passionate about improving the lives of children with diverse needs.
• Committed to embedding the school's values in everything they do.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive, nurturing atmosphere built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
• Provide direct support to students experiencing crisis or requiring additional care.
• Work closely with teachers to promote effective support approaches.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Compassionate

Team leadership

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Pastoral Manager

Location: Wetheringsett Manor, Suffolk, IP14 5QX

Salary: £33,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00am - 4:00pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As Pastoral Manager, you will play a vital role in shaping the emotional climate of the school, ensuring every young person is supported with dignity, respect, and care.

• Foster a positive, nurturing atmosphere built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
• Provide direct support to students experiencing crisis or requiring additional care throughout the school day.
• Work closely with teachers to promote effective support approaches that enable students to remain engaged in learning.
• Collaborate with the Head of Education to introduce and embed pastoral strategies aligned with the school's ethos.
• Champion safeguarding, dignity, and equality, challenging any practice that falls short of our values.

Who We're Looking For

• Calm, confident, and compassionate under pressure.
• Passionate about improving the lives of children with diverse needs.
• A strong communicator who can influence and guide others.
• Highly organised with a natural ability to lead and support teams.
• Committed to embedding the school's values in everything they do.

About the School

Wetheringsett Manor School is a new independent day SEMH School for up to 100 pupils aged 7‑18. Our dedicated team works together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive with a troubled view of education and life.

Opened to pupils in November 2020, the campus sits on 17 acres of parkland in Suffolk, East Anglia, and includes a manor house, converted stable block, cottage and industrial units.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress academically and socially, and encouraging pride in achievements. We are part of Acorn Education, the UK's leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with SEN.

Benefits

Our 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial allows you to work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while earning full‑time pay (subject to probation).

We offer an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks.
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) enabling you to choose from health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, discount options (UK & abroad), Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical Illness cover, Family Growth Support (enhanced maternity & paternity leave, fertility treatment support).
• Market‑leading benefits through Vista.

Legal & Compliance

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We carry out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. We do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or costs incurred by applicants due to delays in the compliance process. All stages are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements.