At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging forest school programmes and coordinate the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for Key Stage 4 pupils.
- Company: Join Quorn Hall, a supportive and inclusive school focused on emotional well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, daily meals, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong support for staff wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in beautiful outdoor settings.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs, DofE scheme, and a passion for the outdoors required.
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent, Term Time only
Salary: Up to £36,000, depending on experience
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8.15am-4.30pm, Fri 8.15am-3.15pm
Start date: 24th August 2026
Your new role: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Forest School Learning Instructor/Teacher to join our dedicated team. This exciting role combines the delivery of high-quality, therapeutic forest school learning programmes for pupils with SEMH needs across Key Stages 2, 3, and 4, with the leadership and coordination of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme for our Key Stage 4 pupils. You will be responsible for creating, engaging and inspiring forest school learning experiences that cater to the specific needs of our pupils, promoting their emotional well-being, social development, and academic progress, alongside guiding and supporting pupils through their DofE journeys.
The job will involve supporting pupils in accessing a variety of high quality, and suitably challenging outdoor activities. Resilience is a key trait for all our staff - being able to bounce back from experiences and being creative with pupil interactions is a key part of the role at Quorn Hall School. We would love to hear from you if you thrive on working in a demanding but immensely rewarding environment; if you are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills; and if you truly want to make a difference in the lives of our pupils.
Experience:
- Have experience of working with pupils with additional needs, specifically SEMH and Autism
- Previous experience of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at relevant levels.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other staff members
- First Aid certified
- A passion for the outdoors and a commitment to providing enriching experiences for young people
- Organised, efficient and able to manage multiple tasks effectively with excellent time management skills
- A commitment to ongoing professional development
- Level 3 Forest School Qualifications is desirable.
Your new school: Quorn Hall is an inclusive and forward thinking school that supports Children and Young People aged 7-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. We are a trauma informed school with therapeutic support at the heart of our provision. We offer a model of education and therapy which work together to ensure that pupils are challenged effectively to make their next steps whilst feeling safe and supported. We are an incredibly friendly and welcoming school and are on a fantastic journey; we are growing, and with this comes the opportunity to embed the culture and system of a truly integrated education and therapy model.
Benefits include:
- Working with our pupils in a beautiful Grade II listed building and inspiring surrounding grounds
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme where a 24 hour confidential helpline is available
- Breakfast and Lunch provided daily
- Free car parking
- Supportive and proactive Wellbeing team
- Excellent CPD with increased career opportunities and advancement for all staff.
- Many, many others… come and visit us to see for yourself!
If you're interested in making a real difference and impacting positively on the lives of our pupils, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply: For more information on how to apply and for a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin via the details below:
E:
T: (phone number removed)
W: (url removed)
Closing date for applications: no later than 9am on 18th June 2026. Strong applications may be considered immediately upon receipt and before the closing date. We do not accept CVs. All formal applications must be received on our school application form.
Quorn Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. I understand that if I am shortlisted for this role I will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check (DBS) and complete a self disclosure for cautions and convictions.
Forest School Instructor with DofE responsibilities in Loughborough employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Quorn Hall School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and pupils. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our team enjoys access to excellent CPD opportunities, a proactive Wellbeing team, and the chance to work in a beautiful Grade II listed building surrounded by inspiring grounds. We pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, where resilience and creativity are valued, making it a truly rewarding place to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH needs.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Instructor with DofE responsibilities in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Quorn Hall's website and social media. Understanding their approach to education and therapy will help you connect your experience with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples! Think about your past experiences working with pupils with SEMH needs and how you've led outdoor activities. Be ready to share specific stories that highlight your skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the outdoors! Since this role is all about creating engaging forest school experiences, be sure to express your love for nature and how it can benefit the pupils' emotional well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application on our official form, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Strong applications might get noticed before the closing date, so don’t wait!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Instructor with DofE responsibilities in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with pupils with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and working outdoors. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Quorn Hall.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, we’re looking for organised individuals!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Quorn Hall.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Forest School Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Forest School principles and practices. Be ready to discuss how you would create engaging outdoor learning experiences, especially for pupils with SEMH needs. Think about specific activities you could implement and how they promote emotional well-being.
✨DofE Experience is Key
Since this role involves leading the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, be prepared to share your previous experiences with DofE. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you supported students through their journeys. This will show your understanding of the programme and your commitment to helping young people succeed.
✨Show Your Resilience
Resilience is a big part of this role, so think of examples from your past where you've bounced back from setbacks. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to adapt and remain positive in challenging situations, especially when working with pupils who have additional needs.
✨Connect with the Team Spirit
This position requires strong teamwork skills, so be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can contribute to a supportive environment at Quorn Hall.
