Outdoor Learning Mentor
The Harbour School, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8RA22 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
2 October 2026 at 9am
Date listed
10 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other support role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, Term time plus 1 week
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £27,274 - £29,071 per annum (actual salary for term-time working £23,917 - £25,493)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Not a typical mentoring role. A different kind of impact.
When learning moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, barriers begin to fall, and young people start to see themselves in a more positive way.
Our Adventure Learning team supports pupils who often find traditional education challenging or overwhelming. Many of the young people we work with may feel disengaged from school, have experienced barriers to attendance, or struggle with social, emotional and behavioural needs. For some, education hasn’t yet been a place where they have felt successful or understood.
This is where you come in.
As an Outdoor Learning Mentor, you will play a key role in helping pupils reconnect with learning through practical, hands-on and outdoor experiences. Working alongside teachers and instructors, you will support pupils both onsite and in a wide range of offsite activities-from bushcraft and paddle sports to climbing and team-building sessions. You will help create opportunities for pupils to experience success in ways that feel meaningful and achievable to them.
Because before progress can happen, young people need to feel safe, supported and valued. And when they do-those moments matter.
A pupil engages when they previously felt withdrawn.
A young person manages a situation calmly for the first time.
Someone begins to believe they are capable of learning and change.
That’s the impact you’ll have.
What you’ll be doing:
Supporting teachers and instructors during outdoor and classroom-based learning activities
Working with pupils individually and in small groups to support engagement, behaviour and progress
Assisting pupils in working towards targets set out in their individual plans
Helping to deliver and supervise outdoor learning sessions and educational visits
Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage participation and confidence
Supporting the development of social, emotional and study skills
Working with families, carers and external professionals to support each young person holistically
Who you are:
Passionate about supporting young people through practical and outdoor learning approaches
Patient, empathetic and able to build trust with pupils who may feel disengaged or unsure
Calm and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to challenging situations
Adaptable and flexible, able to work across different environments and activities
A positive role model who encourages confidence,independenceand resilience
A strong teamplayer who works well with colleagues and external partners
Committed to supporting pupils with a wide range of needs, including SEMH and SEND
Organised and responsible, with a strong focus on safeguarding,safetyand wellbeing
Motivated by supporting small but meaningful steps of progress in young people’s lives
What the school offers its staff
Why join us?
The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust where our values are kindness, collaboration and creativity.
The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
Further information about the job
Please contact Jack Galloway (Head of Adventure Learning) at j.galloway@set-adventurelearning.com for more information and to arrange a tour.
Closing date: 2nd October 2026
Interview date: w/c 12th October 2026
Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.
Become part of our journey by completing our Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply (please see Job Description, and Safeguarding Children Policy for further information).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Isabel at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Harbour School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 5 to 19
- Size
- 169 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 5 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- The Harbour School website
- Email address
- recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com
The Harbour School is a special school for learners with Social, Emotional and/or Mental Health (SEMH) Needs and/or Medical Needs. The school operates from multiple sites situated across Portsmouth with provision extending beyond these physical locations.
As a trust, our ethos is encompassed in our vision “Learning together in pursuit of happiness”.
School location
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