ACS International Schools Cobham is seeking a part-time UK based Outdoor Learning and Forest School Teacher to start in August 2026.
The successful applicant will teach Early Childhood and Grades 1–4 (ages 2–10), delivering a programme that develops students’ understanding of ecology, sustainability and the natural world through inquiry, discovery and nature-based learning. They will champion outdoor learning across the curriculum, working with teachers to develop the existing curriculum through meaningful outdoor learning experiences that enrich learning. The role includes divisional duties, meetings and extracurricular activities.
The role is for 2 days per week during term time and applicants must already be in the UK due to the part time nature of this role.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead engaging outdoor learning and Forest School sessions maximising the use of the school’s outdoor spaces to provide authentic contexts for learning across the curriculum
- Maintain, refine and further develop the school’s outdoor learning programme and learning spaces
- Collaborate in the review, refinement, documentation and evaluation of the existing outdoor learning curriculum and supporting resources to enable its sustainable delivery by classroom teachers beyond the fixed-term appointment
- Liaise with colleagues across the school to promote interdisciplinary learning and develop cross-curricular opportunities
- Establish and maintain effective communication with the ACS Grounds and Facilities teams to support the development, maintenance and safe use of outdoor learning environments
- Ensure high standards of health and safety for outdoor learning by maintaining appropriate procedures, reviewing and updating risk assessments, and promoting safe working practices
- Build positive partnerships with parents by communicating the purpose and value of outdoor learning
- Monitor, evaluate and document the impact of the outdoor learning programme, making recommendations for its ongoing development and sustainability.
Knowledge, skills and experience required:
- A passion for outdoor learning and nature-based education, with a strong understanding of how outdoor environments can enrich learning across all areas of the curriculum
- Experience of planning and delivering high-quality Forest School and outdoor learning programmes for young children
- Experience working with Early Childhood and/or Lower Primary-aged students
- Experience of reviewing, refining or developing curriculum and documenting learning to support consistent, sustainable practice
- A collaborative approach to working with colleagues to integrate outdoor learning across the curriculum and build teacher confidence and capability
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements for teaching outdoors, including experience of developing, implementing and reviewing risk assessments
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage outdoor learning spaces, resources and programmes effectively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and support teams.
Essential Qualifications:
- Based in the UK/UK passport holder as visa sponsorship is not possible for this part time role
- Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders
- A valid 16-hour (2-day) Outdoor First Aid certificate.
Desir able qualifications and skills:
- B.Ed, PGCE and (or) Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) or equivalent
- Master’s degree, or significant progress towards completion
- Training and experience with the Responsive Classroom Approach
- Knowledge and understanding of international and/or independent school communities.
Position Details:
Location: Cobham, Surrey, in person
Start date: August 2026
Working hours: 2 days per week, 08:00 – 16:00, flexible with the days, or 4 morning a week is also a possibility
Closing date: 19th July
Salary: Dependent on experience and wether post holder has a teaching qualification.
Safeguarding:
ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.
ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre-employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.