learning practitioner Horticulture

Sunderland College; North East; On-site; GBP 8,000 - 12,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working options

Pensions (LGPS/Teacher)

Discount platform

Wellbeing support

Free parking

Gym access

Job summary

Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall Campus seeks a Learning Practitioner in Horticulture on a 0.3 FTE basis (1.5 days per week). You will join a forward-thinking team delivering practical horticulture training in a specialist land-based environment.

The role offers opportunities to share industry knowledge, develop learners' practical skills, and progress teaching qualifications. We value collaborative work and high teaching standards, with access to development opportunities and industry

Qualifications

• L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject
• Level 2 maths grade 4 or above
• Level 2 English grade 4 or above

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality horticulture learning
• Provide excellent experience to students through learning and assessment
• Teach to high standards using student-centred approaches and learning tech
• Engage in reflective practice and professional development
• Collaborate with support teams to provide academic support
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events

Job description

About The College

Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College's second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East - the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running*, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment.

Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, and as the top performing land-based college nationally*, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.

Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

Do you have a passion for horticulture and a desire to inspire the next generation of horticultural professionals?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 0.3 FTE (1.5 days per week) Learning Practitioner in Horticulture to join our ambitious and forward-thinking team at Northumberland College.

We are looking for someone with current industry experience, practical expertise and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge. You will inspire our learners to develop their skills and understanding of sustainable horticulture, innovative growing techniques and the increasingly important role horticulture plays in our environment, communities and wider economy.

As a Horticultural Learning Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to share your industry knowledge in a hands-on, specialist learning environment and help our learners develop the practical skills, confidence and professional behaviours they need to succeed.

Join us and become a Changemaker, helping to shape the next generation of horticultural professionals and leaders.

About the Role

This is a 0.3 FTE role (1.5 days per week) based at our outstanding Kirkley Hall Campus.

Kirkley Hall provides an exceptional land-based learning environment, with specialist facilities that enable learners to develop their skills in authentic, industry-focused settings.

Our horticulture provision benefits from a historic walled garden, extensive glasshouses, formal gardens, woodland and wider estate facilities, providing a unique range of opportunities for practical teaching and learning.

The wider Kirkley Hall Campus also offers an array of industry-leading resources, including an immersive learning hub, BIAZA-accredited zoo, equine resource centre and canine facilities, alongside extensive grounds and other specialist land-based facilities.

We are committed to supporting the professional development of our staff. The successful candidate will have access to a range of development opportunities, including teacher training and assessor qualifications, alongside ongoing professional learning designed to support you in developing your teaching practice and remaining at the forefront of your industry.

Whether you are an experienced educator or an industry professional looking to share your expertise with the next generation, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference within a specialist land-based education setting.

If you are passionate about horticulture, committed to inspiring learners and want to make a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment
• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student - centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience.
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme.
• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required.

Qualifications

• L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject
• Level 2 maths grade 4 or above
• Level 2 English grade 4 or above

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of working in the horticultural industry
• Up to date knowledge of industry standard practice
• Ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to work towards a L5 teaching qualification

Desirable Skills & Experience - (Optional)

• Ability to use digital technology to support innovative learning
• Previous experience of working in the FE sector

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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