At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Maths and English using horse riding therapy to inspire young adults.
- Company: Specialist Further Education College in beautiful New Forest.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training support, health care, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy a unique learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working with horses in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Level 5 teaching qualification and experience with SEND students.
The predicted salary is between 15.29 - 15.29 £ per hour.
Academics have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Functional Skills Tutor to join a specialist Further Education College for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Christchurch, Dorset, starting in September 2026. This is a unique setting combining education with horse riding therapy. Students follow an individualised curriculum, learning independent living skills, social and communication skills, Maths, English, ICT, skills for work and, when relevant, achieve accredited qualifications.
You will be required to plan and deliver high-quality English and Maths lessons to small groups of pupils aged 16-25 with a range of SEND, using the College's unique equine specialism. The focus revolves around working with horses to prepare young people for adulthood by increasing their independence and employment options, whilst achieving academic and vocational qualifications and knowledge that will equip them for the next stage in their lives, be that further education, training, or work.
The College is set within the New Forest and is surrounded by stunning scenery. The College has 28 resident horses that provide a focus for learning and help to embed transferable skills. Due to this, you must have a passion/interest in horses, or be comfortable working in a setting with horses.
As a Functional Skills Tutor you will:
- Plan and deliver engaging and inspiring Maths and English sessions using their equine specialism
- Work collaboratively with other members of staff as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Set, monitor and review personalised targets that will optimise learning and outcomes for everyone
- Undertake initial assessment of students and carry out baseline and progress assessments
- Contribute to the review of EHC plans
The successful Functional Skills Tutor must have:
- Level 5 teaching qualification (or willingness to work towards) and evidence of teaching experience
- Ability to teach Functional skills to a minimum of Entry Level 3
- Excellent teaching and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Effective skills in planning, preparation, recording and reviewing students' progress
- Ability to engage students in positive enabling relationships
- Willingness to work as part of a team
- Experience of working with young people with SEND
- Experience with horses
Benefits and Additional Information:
- Full training and continued support
- Lunch and refreshments in working hours
- A £750 referral bonus
- A retail benefits platform
- A health care plan and wellbeing platform
- Life cover plan
- Income protection scheme
- Trade Shires catalogue prices
- Pension scheme
If you are an experienced Functional Skills Tutor and would love to work in this lovely setting working with horses in the New Forest (Christchurch), please apply.
Functional Skills Tutor employer: Academics
At Academics, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer for teachers in East Kent, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises your professional growth. With early access to exclusive job opportunities and a dedicated consultant to guide you through the application process, we ensure that you find a role that truly fits your aspirations. Join us to benefit from tailored job matching and expert advice, making your journey towards a fulfilling teaching career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Functional Skills Tutor
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Academics just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Academics. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Functional Skills Tutor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Functional Skills Tutor role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Academics, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Academics, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Academics, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
