Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI

HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference); Market Harborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school is seeking a passionate Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI to start as soon as possible. This role involves leading outdoor education initiatives, serving as Senior Cadet Instructor, and contributing to the Duke of Edinburgh Award team. Candidates should have strong leadership qualities, experience in planning expeditions, and involvement in relevant military programs. A competitive salary and benefits are offered in a rich educational environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
• Recent service as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer would be beneficial.
• Strong leadership and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead outdoor education initiatives integrated throughout the curriculum.
• Serve as Senior Cadet Instructor for the CCF.
• Contribute to the Duke of Edinburgh Award team.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Organisational skills

Planning and delivering Duke of Edinburgh expeditions

Involvement in CCF, ACF or tri-Service programme

Job description

Teaching careers in HMC independent schools

Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI

We are looking to hire a Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI to start as soon as possible.

This is a superb opportunity for a passionate and energetic professional who believes in outdoor education as more than just a career – someone who understands its power to instil a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors in young people and is eager to embrace this exciting role at Shiplake College.

The successful candidate will become an integral part of our progressive CCF contingent of 68 cadets, serving as their Senior Cadet Instructor (SSI), while also contributing to our well‑established Duke of Edinburgh Award team. Beyond this, you will spearhead outdoor education initiatives that form a key element of our whole‑school commitment to outdoor learning, integrated throughout our games and activities programme.

We are looking for someone with strong leadership capabilities and excellent organisational skills, proven experience in planning and delivering Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and active involvement in a CCF, ACF or tri‑Service equivalent programme. Potentially, recent service as a Senior Non‑Commissioned Officer (SNCO) in the Armed Forces would be beneficial for this role.

This role is to start as soon as possible, 52 weeks a year, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co‑educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co‑educational. Situated in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley‑on‑Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.

We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment.

Early applications are encouraged for this role. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.

Closing date: 10am on Thursday 5 December 2025

Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.