Outdoor Education lead

Brandles School, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6EY

7 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  7 May 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  30 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £24,237.00 - £26,113.00 Annually (Actual)

Outdoor Education lead job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Outdoor Education Lead to design, deliver, and lead a high-quality outdoor education programme. This role plays a vital part in supporting students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioural development—particularly those with SEMH needs.

You will inspire young people to build resilience, confidence, teamwork, and engagement through structured outdoor learning experiences, including accredited pathways such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development & Delivery

• Lead and deliver a progressive outdoor education programme across all key stages
• Plan enrichment activities, off-site visits, and outdoor learning opportunities
• Deliver a wide range of activities, including:
  • Canoeing, climbing, cycling
  • Bushcraft, horticulture, orienteering
  • Fencing, golf, archery
  • Ensure sessions are inclusive and support EHCP outcomes
  • Embed therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches
  • Promote participation across the school

  Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)

  • Act as the school’s DofE Lead
  • Coordinate Bronze and Silver awards
  • Manage expeditions, training, supervision, and assessment
  • Oversee registrations, tracking, and evidence submission
  • Ensure compliance with DofE and national guidance

  Student Development & Pastoral Support

  • Use outdoor learning to support emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills
  • Build strong relationships with students, including those with challenging behaviour
  • Fulfil tutor responsibilities and contribute to pastoral systems
  • Promote school values and act as a positive role model
  • Support behaviour, attendance, and engagement strategies

  Educational Visits & Risk Management

  • Coordinate all educational visits in line with policy
  • Use EVOLVE to manage documentation
  • Write and review risk assessments
  • Ensure staff are trained and supported
  • Maintain safeguarding, health and safety compliance

  Leadership & Coordination

  • Lead and develop outdoor provision across the school
  • Line manage and support colleagues
  • Manage resources, equipment, and budgets
  • Contribute to school development and quality assurance

  Partnership Working

  • Work with external providers, parents/carers, and organisations
  • Promote participation and celebrate student success

  Monitoring & Evaluation

  • Track impact on student progress, wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement
  • Contribute to reports and school improvement
  • Monitor DofE participation and outcomes

  Rewards & Engagement

  • Use outdoor learning as part of reward systems
  • Support disengaged students through enrichment opportunities

  Person Specification

  Essential

  Experience working with young people with SEMH or additional needs

  Strong behaviour management skills

  Experience in outdoor education

  Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety

  Ability to plan engaging and inclusive activities

  Desirable

  Outdoor qualifications (e.g. Forest School, DofE Assessor)

  First Aid qualification

  Teaching qualification or HLTA status

  Experience in trauma-informed practice

  Key Skills

  Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  Ability to inspire and motivate learners

  Excellent organisation and risk management

  Creative and flexible approach

  Additional Expectations

  Flexibility to support trips

  Commitment to safeguarding and student welfare

  Uphold the school’s values and ethos

  Safeguarding

  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff must share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Brandles School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• School size: 70 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Brandles School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/brandles-school

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