Site Lead (The Ark)

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title: Site Lead (The Ark)
Location: The Ark, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA
Hours: 40 per week Monday to Friday
Salary: From £39,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay .

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join !

About the Role

The Site Lead at The Ark plays a central role in creating a safe, supportive and aspirational environment for all pupils and staff. As the professional face of the site, you will model high standards of conduct, punctuality, attendance and presentation at all times.

Core Responsibilities

In this role, you will ensure the effective implementation of school policies and procedures related to pastoral care and safeguarding. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Pupil Engagement
• Attendance Monitoring and Support
• Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
• Site Health & Safety (in partnership with the Facilities Manager)
• Collaboration with the Clinical Team to ensure individual pupil needs are met

You will oversee the daily operations of the site, including the maintenance of confidential records, coordination of administrative duties, and representation at relevant meetings.

Leadership of Staff

You will lead and support a team of teaching and non-teaching staff, ensuring they:

• Act as key adults or tutors for a small group of pupils
• Take responsibility for the wellbeing and progress of their pupil group
• Maintain regular communication with parents/carers, providing updates at least weekly
• Promote strong pupil attendance in partnership with the Attendance Officer
• Implement the school's behaviour policy consistently
• Attend meetings when required
• Support cross-school and cross-curricular initiatives
• Uphold school expectations and contribute to the wider school ethos

About You

• Experience of leading a team
• Understanding of child development and learning
• Broad understanding of educational issues
• Education to at least A level - desirable
• F ull UK Driving Licence

About Us

Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School (The Hive) located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School (The Ark) located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.

Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils 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 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 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

Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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

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.