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

Job Title:  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

About the Role

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.

What you will be doing:

• 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.

What you will bring:

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.

About Us

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 Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

#1