Head of Outdoor Education

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Head of Outdoor Education

Location:

Bankside School, Worcester, WR8 0AD

Hours:

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm

Salary:
Up to £47,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:
September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

At Bankside School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive — especially those who face the greatest barriers. Our mission is to help the most vulnerable and hard‑to‑place children realise their potential through personalised, engaging and life‑changing learning experiences.

We are now seeking an exceptional practitioner to lead three vital strands of our curriculum:
Outdoor Education, BTEC/Vocational Study, and Offsite Alternative Provision. This is a rare opportunity to shape innovative programmes, broaden horizons and make a profound impact in a challenging, motivating and deeply rewarding environment.

In this dynamic leadership role, you will drive three exciting strands of our curriculum — Outdoor Education, BTEC/Vocational Learning and Offsite Alternative Provision — creating inspiring, personalised pathways that help our most vulnerable learners thrive. You will design and deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences, shape high‑quality vocational programmes, and coordinate purposeful offsite placements that build confidence, engagement and future readiness. With a blend of creativity, strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership, you will champion high standards, strengthen partnerships, ensure robust safeguarding and lead continuous improvement across all areas.

This is your chance to innovate, broaden horizons and make a lasting difference in a setting where every step forward truly matters.

• Support the Head of Quality of Education in delivering strategic and operational improvement plans.
• Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of outdoor learning, enrichment and offsite experiences.
• Oversee BTEC/vocational timetabling, curriculum planning, assessment and internal verification.
• Coordinate and quality‑assure offsite alternative provision, including safeguarding, attendance and communication with families.
• Build strong partnerships with employers, community organisations and external providers.
• Work closely with the SENCo to monitor and review progress for pupils with additional needs.
• Uphold high standards of professional conduct, safeguarding and contribution to the school ethos.
• Ensure students accessing offsite provision remain connected, supported and included in school life.

Essential

• QTS or equivalent required
• Strong curriculum planning skills across outdoor education, vocational learning or alternative provision.
• Experience supporting vulnerable learners, particularly those with SEMH or ASC, and confidence managing challenging behaviour.
• Knowledge of BTEC/vocational assessment and awarding body requirements.
• Understanding of safeguarding and compliance frameworks for independent special schools.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff and external partners.
• Educated to degree level with competence in teaching, youth work, outdoor education or vocational training.
• Driving licence required

Desirable

• Experience delivering outdoor learning, BTEC qualifications or coordinating alternative provision.
• Ability to use digital tools, vocational resources and outdoor learning equipment.
• Knowledge of functional skills, employability or key skills tuition.
• Experience working with employers, community partners or offsite providers.

Bankside School is an exciting new venture near Hanley Castle, Worcester. Our new specialist school caters for students aged 11-18 years old with Autism, Complex needs and learning disabilities. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of…