Science Teacher - Maternity Cover

Acorn Care and Education; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in East Sussex is looking for a passionate Science Teacher to join their team at Bricklehurst Manor School. This is a fixed term maternity cover role starting in January 2026. The ideal candidate will inspire students with SEMH needs, engage them through a dynamic curriculum, and contribute positively to their academic and personal development. Enjoy a supportive team environment and the benefits of a 4-Day Working Week scheme. Competitive salary of up to £45,000 per annum based on experience.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in SEMH or alternative provision settings is desirable but not essential.
• Full UK Driving Licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a dynamic and inclusive science curriculum.
• Create a supportive classroom environment.
• Monitor and assess pupil progress.
• Work collaboratively with school team for holistic support.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience teaching Science at KS3 and KS4

Classroom management skills

Passion for working with young people with SEMH needs

Flexible and resilient approach

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (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: Science Teacher
Location: Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate, East Sussex, TN5 7EL
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Contract: Fixed Term — Maternity Cover | Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK Applicants Only — this role does not offer sponsorship.

Are you a passionate Science Teacher with a desire to make a real difference in the lives of young people? Do you thrive in environments where creativity, curiosity, and compassion shape meaningful learning experiences? If so, Bricklehurst Manor School would love to hear from you.

Located in beautiful Wadhurst, East Sussex, Bricklehurst Manor School provides specialist education for pupils with Special Educational Needs. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Science Teacher to cover a maternity period from January 2026, delivering high-quality teaching that engages learners and supports their academic and personal development.

About the Role

As a Science Teacher, you will play a key role in delivering a dynamic and inclusive science curriculum that not only meets the academic needs of our students but also supports their social and emotional development. You'll work as part of a collaborative and supportive team to help pupils re‑engage with education, overcome barriers to learning, and build the confidence and skills they need for life beyond school.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a new and growing specialist SEN provision in the heart of East Sussex. Our school supports pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, offering a personalised and therapeutic learning environment designed to meet each pupil’s academic and personal potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a broad, balanced, and differentiated Science curriculum, tailored to the diverse needs and abilities of students with SEMH.
• Create a stimulating and supportive classroom environment that promotes a love of learning and intellectual curiosity.
• Employ engaging, multi-sensory and inclusive teaching strategies to meet a range of learning styles and individual needs.
• Contribute to the development of schemes of work and lesson planning within the Science department.
• Monitor and assess pupil progress, set clear targets, and provide constructive feedback to support academic and personal growth.
• Work closely with the wider school team, including therapists, support staff, and senior leadership, to deliver holistic support.
• Incorporate Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development across science lessons.
• Maintain high expectations of behaviour and engagement, using positive behaviour support approaches aligned with SEMH best practice.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience teaching Science at KS3 and KS4.
• A genuine passion for working with young people with SEMH needs.
• Experience working in specialist settings (SEMH or Alternative Provision) – desirable but not essential.
• Excellent classroom management skills and the ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils with complex needs.
• A flexible, resilient, and compassionate approach to teaching.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

This is more than just a teaching role – it’s a chance to leave a lasting impact. You will help shape the culture, ethos, and curriculum of a school designed to empower pupils to achieve their best. Bricklehurst Manor offers a creative, inclusive, and supportive environment, where innovation is encouraged and every member of staff is valued as part of our growing team.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. 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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• 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.

*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. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.