Forest School Leader
Part time, term time only
Starting September 2026
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School stands in its own beautiful 12-acre secure and secluded site, complete with wooded playground area and wonderful outdoor surroundings. In a warm, safe and nurturing environment where individuals come first, Headington Rye is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral support and an impressive range of extracurricular opportunities.
Executive Summary
Headington Rye Oxford Prep is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised and imaginative Forest School Leader to join our Prep School community.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children outdoors and creating engaging, memorable experiences that foster confidence, resilience, curiosity and independence.
We are looking for someone who is comfortable working outdoors throughout the year and able to balance adventure and challenge with strong organisation and good judgement. The Forest School Leader will work closely with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider life of the School. The successful candidate is required to work from Wednesday to Friday and up to 6.00 pm on Thursday and Friday.
Role Description
The Forest School Leader is a part-time, term time position starting in September 2026
Key Responsibilities
- plan and deliver safe, engaging and age appropriate outdoor learning sessions for children from EYFS to Year 6
- create outdoor experiences that develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, independence and curiosity
- maintain and develop outdoor learning spaces, ensuring they remain safe, organised, well resourced and stimulating environments
- carry out and regularly review risk assessments relating to outdoor learning areas, equipment and activities
- ensure health and safety procedures are consistently implemented during all outdoor learning sessions
- prepare, organise and maintain tools, equipment and resources used within outdoor learning provision
- work collaboratively with teaching staff to support curriculum links and wider school initiatives where appropriate
- communicate clearly with colleagues regarding the organisation and staffing of sessions
- support and direct staff assisting with outdoor learning sessions
- work closely with the Senior Management Team in the management of the budget and resources relating to outdoor learning provision
- contribute positively to the wider life of the School, including events, trips and activities where required, including supporting the wrap-around care provision.
- keep up to date with current legislation and best practice in outdoor education
- comply with the School’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
- carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Prep and members of the Senior Management Team
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- educated to degree level or has a recognised early years Level 3 qualification
- experience of working with primary-aged children in an educational or outdoor learning setting
Desirable
- Forest School Level 3 qualification or relevant outdoor learning certification
- full Paediatric First Aid and/or an Outdoor First Aid qualification
- Food Hygiene certification
- experience of planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions
- experience of working in a prep or primary school setting, preferably with early years children
Personal Attributes and Skills
- strong organisational skills and confidence in leading groups of children outdoors
- good understanding of safeguarding, health and safety and risk management
- ability to communicate effectively with children, colleagues and parents
- flexible, positive and proactive approach to school life
- genuine interest in outdoor learning and the natural environment
- practical outdoor skills such as bushcraft, conservation or wildlife knowledge
- energy, enthusiasm, a positive manner and sense of humour
- good initiative and willingness to be flexible
- patience and a sense of calm when needed
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
- strong literacy, numeracy, and IT skills
- high professional standards and a strong team-player mindset
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
The Forest School Leader is a part time, (term time only plus five inset days), permanent position, starting September 2026. This role is 0.6 FTE, working Wednesday to Friday, with two days finishing at 6.00 pm.
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Prorated Salary
The full-time-equivalent salary based on 37.5 hours per week, all year-round would be approximately £30,891 annum
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
Interviews: week commencing Monday 29th June 2026
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK.
Headington Rye Oxord is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Important documents
