Graduate School Assistant

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. Job Title: Pastoral Assistant

Salary: Up to £26,000.00 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)

Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: January 2026

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their best? At New Barn School, part of the Acorn Education family, we’re looking for a caring and proactive Pastoral Assistant to join our supportive, child-centred team.

This is your chance to be part of a school that celebrates individuality, values teamwork, and puts emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

As a Pastoral Assistant, you’ll play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive. You’ll support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of our students — helping them build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships both in and outside the classroom.

Working closely with teachers, pastoral leads, and families, you’ll be part of a team that ensures every child feels understood, supported, and ready to learn.

Provide targeted pastoral and emotional support to pupils across the school

Coordinate in-school services to deliver cohesive, integrated provision tailored to individual needs

Help pupils build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, supporting engagement and personal growth

Model and promote the school’s values of respect, inclusion, and compassion in every interaction

We’re seeking someone who brings warmth, understanding, and a calm presence to every situation — someone who believes that with the right support, every child can thrive.

GCSE English and Maths or equivalent

Experience working with children or young people with social, emotional, or behavioural needs

A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Empathy, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable pupils

A proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting pupil wellbeing

Experience in a school or alternative provision setting is an advantage, but what matters most is your compassion, commitment, and willingness to learn.

New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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.

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 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 your contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables 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.

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

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.