Outdoor Learning Coach

Ark; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational academy is seeking an Outdoor Learning Coach in Southsea, Portsmouth. This role involves delivering outdoor education activities to foster academic and life skills, supporting students through experiential learning. Candidates should have experience in outdoor education, relevant qualifications, and a passion for helping students thrive in alternative environments.

Benefits

Salaries 2.5% higher than the main pay scale.

10 inset days for staff wellbeing.

Generous pension scheme.

Access to Ark rewards offering savings.

Interest-free loans for transportation.

Gym discounts up to 40%.

Confidential counselling support.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading adventurous activities.
• Knowledge of vocational qualifications.
• Full UK driving license essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outdoor and adventurous activities.
• Support students' personal and academic development.
• Facilitate off-site excursions.

Skills

Outdoor Education

Teamwork

Leadership

Communication

Education

Relevant Qualifications in Outdoor Education

Vocational Qualifications (AQA, ASDAN)

Job description

About The Role

Ark Charter Academy

Outdoor Learning Coach

Location: Southsea, Portsmouth
Salary: Band 7 (£28,624 - £34,314)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time (Term time only)

Start date: 1^st September 2025

Closing date: 04/07/2025

Interview date: As soon as suitable candidates apply

Are you passionate about outdoor education and helping students flourish in alternative learning environments? Do you have the skills to deliver adventurous activities, sports coaching, and vocational qualifications while fostering resilience, teamwork, and leadership?

We are looking for a dedicated Outdoor Learning Coach to lead an outdoor education-focused curriculum, supporting students through engaging outdoor projects, excursions, and experiential learning.

About the role:

As an Outdoor Learning Coach, you will lead an outdoor education-focused curriculum, helping students develop both academic and life skills through immersive and experiential learning. Your role will involve delivering outdoor and adventurous activities, sports coaching, and vocational qualifications, ensuring students thrive in a practical, hands-on environment.

You will play a crucial role in supporting students who benefit from alternative learning approaches, using outdoor education to build resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. This includes leading Forest School sessions, supporting students in gardening and outdoor projects, and facilitating off-site excursions that promote both educational and welfare outcomes.

Additionally, you will ensure health and safety compliance, conduct risk assessments, and collaborate with staff, parents, and external stakeholders to create a positive, inclusive learning experience tailored to student needs.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• Experienced in leading outdoor and adventurous activities, holding relevant qualifications
• Passionate about supporting students in alternative learning settings through engaging outdoor education
• Knowledgeable in vocational qualifications such as Prince’s Trust, AQA, ASDAN, or willing to gain certification
• Committed to student development, fostering resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills
• Organised and proactive, capable of planning and delivering engaging outdoor learning sessions
• Resilient, patient, and adaptable, with a strong ability to connect with students and build positive relationships
• A full UK driving license is essential to facilitate off-site activities and excursions

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for any questions, please contact Keah Stell, HR Advisor, on [e-mail].

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing)
• A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning
• Development opportunities for future leaders
• Generous pension scheme.
• Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role)
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark atarkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning.

We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game-changers of the future.To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us.

Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.

Visit charteracademy.org.uk/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on thislink.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click thislink.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.