Secondary Schools Programmes Manager, Waddesdon MANOR

How to Apply

We are looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their suitability for this role. To be considered, please submit a covering letter and your CV. Applications without a covering letter will not be shortlisted, so take this opportunity to show us why you are the right fit!

We are seeking an experienced Secondary Schools Programmes Manager to be an integral part of the Learning team at Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château
. The Learning team is responsible for delivering a wide-ranging suite of educational programmes and activities focused on the resources at Waddesdon, from primary to secondary school pupils. Thanks to the Rothschild Foundation’s generous investment in Waddesdon School’s Sixth Form building project, this exciting new post will secure a lasting partnership between Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon Estates LLP and Waddesdon School.[/p]

The successful candidate will assist in the development of an innovative blueprint that will provide experiential learning opportunities across the Manor and Estate for Waddesdon School pupils. Working collaboratively with the school and Manor, the post-holder will manage the programme and act as the central liaison between the partners. Once established, the intention is to include other secondary schools to become a national model of excellence.

This is a hands‑on role, directly engaging with young people and forming part of the team delivering the existing schools and education provision at Waddesdon Manor. An experiential curricular and super‑curricular programme of activities will enable students to deepen knowledge through access to cultural and natural heritage, tackle issues that matter to them (particularly environmental challenges and mental health), develop teamwork and leadership skills through creative, physical and outdoor experiences, and raise aspirations for their futures through encounters with working adults.

A suite of qualifications, activities and experiential learning will be in partnership with Waddesdon School, building on existing pilot projects and ensuring the active involvement of Sixth Form students as well as providing beneficial opportunities for students of all ages. Because the programme aims to be scalable to other secondary schools, part of the role involves considering how to make it adaptable and sustainable.

• In close partnership with Waddesdon School, lead the design and delivery of a secondary schools programme rooted in the rich educational opportunities at Waddesdon Manor and Estate.
• Co‑design activities with teachers, students and Learning Team colleagues, ensuring strong student voice which enhances the curriculum.
• Oversee and, where appropriate, directly deliver learning activities alongside Waddesdon staff and school teachers.
• Ensure all activity reflects best practice in experiential, inclusive and place‑based learning.

• Capture learning, resources and delivery models developed through the Waddesdon pilot.
• Develop a clear, tested blueprint that can be adapted for use with other secondary schools.
• Support phased expansion once the Waddesdon programme is established and evaluated.

• Lead on safeguarding practice within the secondary schools programme.
• Ensure robust risk assessments and safe working practices for all on‑site and off‑site activities.
• Maintain high standards of supervision, care and duty of care.

• Act as the main relationship lead for Waddesdon School.
• Work closely with internal teams across Waddesdon Manor to support programme delivery.
• Enable clear communication and coordination between all stakeholders.
• Participate in regular planning and review meetings.

• Manage timetabling, logistics and staffing for assemblies, visits, projects, campaigns and expeditions.
• Coordinate careers encounters, work placements and employer engagement linked to Waddesdon.
• Support the development of awards,…