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Outdoor Learning Mentor – New Forest

£27,274 – £29,071 per annum (actual salary for term-time working £23,340 – £24,878), plus generous sick pay and pension scheme

37 hours per week, Permanent, Term time only

Note: Valid UK Driving Licence for a minimum of 2 years required, plus a willingness to use your own vehicle for business purposes on occasion.

Not a typical mentoring role. A different kind of impact.

When learning moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, barriers begin to fall, and young people start to see themselves in a more positive way.

Our Adventure Learning team supports pupils who often find traditional education challenging or overwhelming. Many of the young people we work with may feel disengaged from school, have experienced barriers to attendance, or struggle with social, emotional and behavioural needs. For some, education hasn’t yet been a place where they have felt successful or understood.

This is where you come in.

As an Outdoor Learning Mentor, you will play a key role in helping pupils reconnect with learning through practical, hands-on and outdoor experiences. Working alongside teachers and instructors, you will support pupils both onsite and in a wide range of offsite activities – from bushcraft and paddle sports to climbing and team-building sessions. You will help create opportunities for pupils to experience success in ways that feel meaningful and achievable to them.

Because before progress can happen, young people need to feel safe, supported and valued. And when they do – those moments matter.

A pupil engages when they previously felt withdrawn.

A young person manages a situation calmly for the first time.

Someone begins to believe they are capable of learning and change.

That’s the impact you’ll have.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting teachers and instructors during outdoor and classroom-based learning activities
• Working with pupils individually and in small groups to support engagement, behaviour and progress
• Assisting pupils in working towards targets set out in their individual plans
• Helping to deliver and supervise outdoor learning sessions and educational visits
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage participation and confidence
• Supporting the development of social, emotional and study skills
• Working with families, carers and external professionals to support each young person holistically
• On occasion, working 1to1 with EHCP students

Who you are:

• Passionate about supporting young people through practical and outdoor learning approaches
• Patient, empathetic and able to build trust with pupils who may feel disengaged or unsure
• Calm and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to challenging situations
• Adaptable and flexible, able to work across different environments and activities
• A positive role model who encourages confidence, independence and resilience
• A strong team player who works well with colleagues and external partners
• Committed to supporting pupils with a wide range of needs, including SEMH and SEND
• Organised and responsible, with a strong focus on safeguarding, safety and wellbeing
• Motivated by supporting small but meaningful steps of progress in young people’s lives

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 j.galloway@set-adventurelearning.com for more information.

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Interview date: 13th 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 Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply please see our Outdoor Learning Mentor Job Description – New Forest for further information.

(Click apply to be taken to our website, where links to the above documents can be found)

If you have any questions, please 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.

Pay: £27,274.00-£29,071.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: On the road