We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work
Job Title: Art Instructor
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4pm
Salary: £39,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term time only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We're looking for a passionate and creative Art Instructor to deliver engaging, practical learning experiences that inspire students to express themselves, build confidence and develop valuable life skills.
Working within a specialist education setting, you'll support students through a range of creative activities including Art, Creative Arts, Design Technology and occasional Food Technology. Using your creativity, patience and enthusiasm, you'll help students engage with learning, develop new skills and achieve positive outcomes both in and beyond the classroom.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a background in art, design, creative industries, youth work, community arts or vocational education who is passionate about making a genuine difference to young people's lives.
What you will be doing
Deliver creative, engaging Art, Creative Arts and DT sessions to individuals and small groups.
Support students to build confidence, independence, communication and self-regulation skills.
Create inspiring learning environments that encourage creativity and participation.
Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs and abilities.
Monitor student progress and celebrate achievements.
Support Food Technology sessions when required.
Work closely with colleagues, families and wider professionals to support student success.
Contribute to a positive, safe and inclusive school culture.
What you will bring
Passionate about art, creativity and helping young people succeed.
Experience in art, design, creative industries, youth work, community arts, education or a related field.
Able to engage, motivate and inspire students with diverse needs.
Creative, adaptable and enthusiastic in your approach.
Calm, resilient and confident in supporting behaviour positively.
Committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
Works well as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Full driving licence required.
About Us
Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive.
Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student’s individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills.
As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future.
At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students 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 students 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
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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.
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