Outdoor Education Teacher/Instructor | AP

Tradewind Recruitment; Salterforth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent Alternative Provision trust in Barnoldswick, England, seeks an inspiring Outdoor Education Teacher to engage students in a transformative learning experience outside the classroom. The role offers a flexible start date of January 2026 and is suited for both qualified teachers and experienced instructors. Responsibilities include planning engaging outdoor lessons and ensuring student safety. A commitment to safeguarding and experience with vulnerable students is essential.

Benefits

Flexible qualifications

Clear career pathway

Small group teaching

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in delivering Outdoor Education to young people.
• Experience with students who have SEMH or complex needs.
• Exceptional resilience and commitment to safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Planning and delivering cross-curricular lessons outdoors.
• Ensuring health and safety compliance for outdoor activities.
• Building positive relationships with students.

Skills

Experience in Outdoor Education

Empathy and behaviour management

Communication and teamwork skills

Education

Relevant National Governing Body (NGB) awards

Job description

Temporary to Permanent | Start Date: January 2026 (or Sooner) | Location: Barnoldswick Site, Lancashire | Salary: Highly Competitive (Negotiable based on QTS/Experience)

The Classroom Has No Walls: Outdoor Education in Alternative Provision

Do you believe the most impactful learning happens outside? Are you a resilient, passionate educator or experienced instructor ready to use the power of the natural environment to re‑engage young people?

Our dynamic, independent Alternative Provision (AP) trust in Barnoldswick, Lancashire, is seeking an inspiring Outdoor Education Teacher/Instructor. This is a high‑impact, Temporary to Permanent role perfect for someone dedicated to transforming the lives of students who have struggled in mainstream settings (many with SEMH/SEND).

We need someone who can blend academic learning with practical skills, fostering resilience, confidence, and teamwork through activities like Bushcraft, Forest School, DofE, and nature‑based learning.

Key Benefits & Opportunity

• Flexible Qualifications: We welcome applications from both Qualified Teachers (QTS) and highly experienced Unqualified Instructors with relevant outdoor qualifications (e.g., Forest School Leader, NGB awards). Your passion and practical experience matter most!
• Clear Career Pathway: Start with a secure temporary contract, leading to a guaranteed permanent position upon successful performance and fit with our core values.
• Location & Impact: Work in the beautiful Barnoldswick area, utilising local resources to deliver a truly bespoke, hands‑on curriculum.
• Start When You Can: A priority start date of January 2026, but we can accelerate this for an exceptional candidate ready to start sooner.
• Targeted Teaching: Benefit from small group sizes and dedicated support, allowing you to focus on building trust and making genuine progress with every student.

The Role: Inspire, Engage, Transform

As our Outdoor Education specialist, you will be responsible for:

• Delivery: Planning and delivering creative, practical, and cross‑curricular lessons that integrate academic goals with outdoor activities.
• Safety: Ensuring the highest standards of Health & Safety and conducting thorough risk assessments for all outdoor and off‑site activities.
• Mentorship: Building strong, positive, and therapeutic relationships with students to manage behaviour and promote emotional well‑being and life skills.
• Assessment: Tracking and reporting on student progress, not just in curriculum subjects, but also in key development areas like communication, teamwork, and self‑regulation.

Are You the Right Fit? (Essential Criteria)

• Proven, hands‑on experience in delivering Outdoor Education, Forest School, or adventurous activities to young people (KS3/KS4).
• Experience or deep understanding of working with students who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) or complex needs.
• Relevant National Governing Body (NGB) awards or qualifications (e.g., Forest School Leader, DofE Assessor, Mountain Training, Paddlesports) are highly desirable.
• Exceptional resilience, empathy, and positive behaviour management skills.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people.

Ready to swap the classroom walls for the great outdoors? Apply today by sending your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your outdoor experience to (url removed).

Closing Date: Open ended until an appointment is made.