Adventure Learning Instructor - Dorset
Harbour School Dorset
Location: Dorset
Salary: £22,601 – £35,259
Closes: 30/6/26
Adventure Learning Instructor at Harbour School Dorset
Unqualified Teacher’s Pay scale (£22,601 – £35,259 per annum), salary dependant on experience, plus generous sick pay and pension scheme
32.5 hours per week, Permanent, Term time only
Please note: Valid driving licence for a minimum of 2 years required
Not a typical teaching role. A different kind of impact.
When learning moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, barriers come down, and young people begin to see themselves differently.
Our Adventure Learning team at Harbour School Dorset work with pupils who may find traditional education challenging or overwhelming. For some, the classroom hasn’t been the place where they’ve felt successful or understood.
This is where you come in.
As an Adventure Learning Instructor, you’ll create opportunities for pupils to experience success in new ways – through challenge, exploration and shared experiences. You’ll help them reconnect with learning, build resilience, and develop a belief in what they can achieve.
Because before progress can happen, confidence and trust have to come first. And when they do – those moments matter.
A pupil takes a risk.
A team works together.
Someone realises they can do something they never thought possible.
That’s the impact you’ll have.
What you’ll be doing:
- Planning and delivering engaging outdoor learning sessions that support personal development and growth
- Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where pupils can build confidence and resilience
- Leading adventurous activities in line with safety guidance and best practice
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and participation
- Adapting activities to meet individual needs, including those with SEND and SEMH
- Encouraging teamwork, communication and problem-solving through shared challenges
- Supporting pupils to develop independence, self-belief and a positive attitude to learning
Who you are:
- Passionate about outdoor learning and its impact on young people
- Patient, empathetic and able to build trust with pupils who may feel unsure or disengaged
- Resilient and adaptable, with the confidence to respond to changing situations
- A positive and calm presence, even when things don’t go to plan
- Creative in your approach, able to engage pupils in different and meaningful ways
- A strong team player who values collaboration and shared success
- Committed to supporting pupils with a wide range of needs, including SEND and SEMH
- Organised and responsible, with a strong focus on safety and wellbeing
- Motivated by long-term development and small, meaningful steps of progress
You’ll also bring:
- Relevant outdoor qualifications (e.g. NGB awards such as CWI, Paddlesport Leader, or MIAS/British Cycling MTB Level 2)
- At least 2 years’ experience delivering outdoor or instructional sessions
- Experience working with young people, particularly those with social, emotional or behavioural needs
About us:
Extended Learning, part of the Southern Education Trust, designs personalised learning programmes for young people who are currently unable to access education in the traditional way. Our vision, “making lives better,” sits at the heart of everything we do.
We combine academic learning with emotional development, supporting students to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and take positive steps towards their future.
Why join us?
- The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust where our values are kindness, collaboration and creativity.
- The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
- Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
- We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
- Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
- You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
- A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
Please contact Jack Galloway (Head of Adventure Learning) at [email protected] for more information and to arrange a tour.
Closing date: 30th June 2026
Interview date: 8th July 2026
Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.
Become part of our journey by completing our Teacher & Leadership Application Form and returning it to [email protected] if you would like to apply. Please see our Adventure Learning Instructor Job Description and HSD – Child-Protection-and-Safeguarding-Policy-2025-2026 for further information. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we kindly ask all applicants to complete a short, anonymised form alongside their application, linked here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Isabel at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.