Outdoor Education Centre Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Outdoor Education Centre
Manager

Department:

Outdoor Education

Hours of Work:

30  hours  per  week,  including  core  hours  of  Tuesday,  Wed,  Thurs  (12-6.15pm),  Saturday
(10am-6pm). Term time plus 15 days during the school holidays

Responsible To:

Director of Sport

Responsible For:

N/A

Summary of Role:
Woldingham School is seeking an exceptional and visionary Outdoor Education Centre Manager to lead the strategic
development of our Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) as a centre of excellence for curriculum and extra-curricular
enrichment,  pastoral  care  and  character  education.  Set  within  our  extensive  and  beautiful  grounds,  the  OEC  is
uniquely positioned to become a flagship provision and defining feature of the Woldingham experience, enhancing
curriculum delivery, strengthening boarding life, supporting pastoral care, and embedding wellbeing, resilience and
leadership development at the heart of the pupil experience.

Following  renewed  commitment  from  the  Governors  to  make  Outdoor  Education  an  important  aspect  of  the
School’s next development plan, this is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious outdoor education professional to
shape and deliver a coherent, innovative and high-impact outdoor learning strategy. The successful candidate will
combine operational expertise with strategic vision, ensuring that the OEC becomes a dynamic hub of opportunity,
challenge and personal growth for all pupils. Working closely with the Director of Sport and wider Senior Leadership
Team, the postholder will position outdoor education as a defining feature of the Woldingham experience.

Strategic Responsibilities:

•  Develop and implement a clear three-to-five-year strategic vision for the Outdoor Education Centre

aligned with the School Development Plan.

•  Establish the OEC as a centre of excellence for outdoor learning, extra-curricular enrichment and pupil

wellbeing.

•  Embed outdoor education meaningfully within:

✓  The curriculum
✓  Boarding provision
✓  Pastoral and wellbeing programmes
✓  Leadership pathways
✓  Staff wellbeing initiatives

•  Develop structured leadership and character development programmes through outdoor learning.
•  Expand outreach and partnership opportunities, positioning the OEC as a regional hub for community

•

engagement.
Identify opportunities for accreditation, awards or recognition that enhance the profile and credibility of
the Centre.

•  Contribute strategically to pupil recruitment by showcasing the distinctive strengths of the OEC.
•  Develop systems to evaluate and measure pupil participation, engagement and impact.

Operational Responsibilities:

•  Design, plan and deliver a high-quality, progressive programme of outdoor activities including high ropes,

zip wire, team building, archery, cycling, orienteering and related experiences.

Revised March 2026

•  Develop and lead a distinctive extra-curricular programme (e.g. bushcraft, Young Explorers, climbing,

archery, leadership awards).

•  Design a structured leadership, resilience and personal development pathway for pupils.
•
Lead Saturday Active programme for Boarders and afternoon enrichment programmes.
•  Collaborate with academic departments to develop cross-curricular outdoor learning opportunities.
•  Deliver induction experiences for new pupils that foster confidence, connection and belonging.
•  Develop overnight camping and expedition opportunities.
•
Lead activity provision for summer school programmes.
•  Minibus driving when necessary.
•  Support our D of E Co-Ordinator with the organisation and supervision of expeditions.

Compliance and H&S Management

•  Act as Health & Safety Lead for the OEC.
•  Ensure all activities meet national regulatory standards and best practice.
•  Write and regularly review risk assessments.
•  Ensure inspection, maintenance and safe storage of equipment.
•  Manage the OEC budget strategically and efficiently.
•  Train, supervise and quality assure staff delivering OEC provision.
•  Maintain relevant qualifications and ensure ongoing professional development.

Revised March 2026

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Desirable

Operational Excellence

•  Significant experience in outdoor education,
adventure activities or experiential learning.
•  Demonstrable experience designing and leading

programmes that promote resilience,
leadership and wellbeing.

•  Strong understanding of health and safety and

•  Relevant outdoor qualifications (e.g. Ropes
Course Instructor, Climbing, Outdoor
Education, First Aid at Work, Safeguarding).

•  Degree Level qualification
•  D1 Driving Licence
•  Experience of staff training and programme

risk management in outdoor settings.

evaluation

•  Experience working with young people in an

•  Experience of accreditation frameworks or

educational or youth setting.

award schemes

•  Ability to think strategically as well as deliver

operationally.

•  Willingness to undertake further qualifications
that support the OEC curriculum e.g. archery,
mountain biking

•  Personal Behaviours

•  Ability to work independently and

collaboratively as a member of a team.
Inspirational and energetic leadership style.

•
•  Excellent communication skills.
•  Excellent organisational, administrative and ICT
skills including the ability to prioritise demands
and thrive under pressure.

•  Ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils
and colleagues in a successful and dynamic
school.

•  Personal warmth to gain the confidence of

pupils, staff, and parents.

•  High standards and attention to detail.
•  A flexible approach and can-do attitude.
•  Ability to think creatively and imaginatively.
•  High expectations for pupil attainment,
personal development, and conduct.

•  Committed to representing the strategic vision

for the School.

•  Committed to professional development and a
willingness to undertake appropriate training
for this role.

Ethos and Whole School Values

•  Committed to operating as part of the School

community.

•  Supports the Sacred Heart Values.

Revised March 2026

•  Commitment to Woldingham as a school with
high academic standing providing a holistic
education and outstanding pastoral care.

Safeguarding and Pastoral

•  Committed to safeguarding and promoting the

welfare of children and young people.
•  A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the

DBS.

Terms and Benefits

•  Start Date: ASAP
•  Working hours: 30 hours per week, including core hours of Tuesday, Wed, Thurs (12-6.15pm), Saturday

(10am-6pm). Term time plus 15 days during the school holidays

•  Pension. The successful candidate will be auto enrolled into the school’s pension scheme, which includes

life assurance.
Lunch. A free lunch is available in the dining room each working day when the kitchens are open.

•
•  Parking. There is free parking on site.
•  Gym and Pool. There are staff sessions for use of these facilities.

Revised March 2026