Forest School and Outdoor Activity Instructor

Teaching Personnel; Horsham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational company is seeking a passionate Forest School / Outdoor Activity Instructor to inspire young people through nature-based and adventurous activities. This role involves leading outdoor sessions, supporting students with complex needs, and fostering resilience and teamwork in a nurturing environment, with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Full pay over half terms and school holidays

Supportive environment with emphasis on development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering outdoor education activities.
• Strong understanding of therapeutic potential of outdoor learning.
• Relevant qualifications in outdoor education are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop outdoor activities including forest school sessions.
• Support young people working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
• Build strong relationships with learners facing significant barriers.

Skills

Behaviour Management

Resilience

Creativity

Education

Forest School Leader

Mountain Bike Leader

DofE Assessor

Job description

Are you an experienced outdoor education professional with a passion for inspiring young people through nature-based and adventurous activities?

Are you resilient, adaptable, and driven to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs?

We are seeking a dynamic Forest School / Outdoor Activity Instructor to join a specialist setting that supports students with a range of complex needs and challenging behaviours. This is not your average instructor role – you’ll be part of a team that delivers life-changing experiences, building confidence and life skills through the great outdoors.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading and developing a wide range of outdoor activities including forest school sessions, hiking, mountain biking, bushcraft, and more
• Supporting young people in working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Encouraging teamwork, resilience, and independence through structured and therapeutic outdoor experiences
• Adapting activities to meet the diverse needs and abilities of the students
• Building strong, trusting relationships with learners who may have experienced significant barriers to education

What We’re Looking For:

• Extensive experience delivering outdoor education or forest school activities
• Strong understanding of the therapeutic potential of outdoor learning, particularly with young people facing behavioural and emotional challenges
• Resilience, creativity, and excellent behaviour management skills
• A passion for making a difference in the lives of young people with SEN
• Relevant qualifications in outdoor education (Forest School Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, DofE Assessor, etc. – desirable but not essential)
• Due to the rural location of the school – The successful applicant will have their own car and driving licence

The Offer:

• Full-time, term-time plus holidays (with full pay over half terms and school holidays)
• Starting salary of £26,270, with flexibility depending on your experience and qualifications
• A supportive and values-driven environment with strong emphasis on personal and professional development

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives outdoors and wants to be part of a nurturing, forward-thinking team that uses nature and adventure to transform young lives.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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