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- Tasks: Lead an innovative Equine Assisted Learning programme for young people, fostering growth and development.
- Company: Join HorseWorld Trust, a community dedicated to helping horses and vulnerable youth thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through horses and empower young people to discover themselves.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in education, with a passion for animal-assisted learning.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring educational leader who believes that learning can — and should — happen far beyond the classroom? Do you understand the young people who fall between the gaps of mainstream education, and are you passionate about giving them a place to grow, belong and thrive? Could you lead a unique and sector-leading Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programme into its next era?
About Discovery
HorseWorld is a registered part time Alternative Learning Provision. Discovery is our Equine Assisted Learning programme for young people aged 6–19 who are struggling in or disengaged from mainstream education due to SEMH needs, SEND, trauma or economic challenges. Our aim is simple: to help young people re-engage with education, relationships and society. Using carefully structured sessions with our rescued horses, young people develop confidence, emotional regulation, communication, resilience and transferable life skills that support transition back into education or onward into positive destinations.
Discovery is outcomes-focused, evidence-led, and child-centred — and sits within a charity that is equally horse-centred, thanks to HorseWorld’s 75-year heritage in rescue and welfare. These two missions create a unique virtuous cycle: Helping young people through horses → leads to increased relevance of horses in society → leading to better welfare of horses → which enriches EAL helping more young people. The Head of Discovery plays a central role in stewarding this cycle.
The Opportunity
As our current Head of Discovery prepares to retire, we are seeking an ambitious, skilled educational leader who can build on our strong foundations while helping shape an exciting and ambitious future. You will:
- Lead a Child-Centred, Outcomes-Focused Intervention Ensure Discovery delivers measurable, high-quality outcomes for young people. Lead assessment, progression tracking, reporting and impact evaluation. Embed understanding of Ofsted expectations, ALP funding requirements and safeguarding best practice across the team.
- Build and Develop a Centre of Excellence Lead a team of facilitators in delivering exceptional Equine Assisted Learning. Maintain compliance with AP standards, HETI and local authority expectations. Oversee training and supervision, embedding the OCN Level 3 Diploma in EAL.
- Work Strategically with Senior Leadership Contribute to the future direction of Discovery, including ambitions to extend reach and influence. Ensure seamless collaboration between the Discovery and Welfare teams to uphold the needs of both children and horses.
- Ensure Outstanding Safeguarding Practice Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
Who We’re Looking For
This is a senior educational leadership role requiring a rare blend of education expertise, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and respect for equine partners. You will have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or equivalent)
- Experience in mainstream education and alternative provision
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, ALP funding, and SEND/SEMH provision
- Demonstrable leadership experience, including team development and change management
- A commitment to evidence-based, outcomes-focused practice
- A deep appreciation for the role animals — especially horses — play in supporting emotional growth
- The ability to hold a child-centred ethos alongside a horse-centred welfare culture
You do not need to be an equine expert — but you must be ready to work in partnership with those who are, and to uphold the wellbeing of our horses as co‑educators.
Why Join HorseWorld?
HorseWorld is more than an organisation — it’s a purpose-driven community. Our strapline, People Helping Horses, Helping People, is lived daily. Our environment is calm, relational, deeply supportive and deeply committed. Our ambition is growing — we aim to widen access, strengthen excellence and expand the meaningful role horses can play in society. For the right leader, this is an opportunity to shape something truly special.
Join Us
If you are driven by purpose, excited by possibility, and ready to lead a programme where horses help young people discover themselves — we would love to hear from you.
Key Details
- Salary: £45,000-£55,000 per annum plus benefits
- Hours: 35 per week (Mon–Fri, some weekends)
- Location: HorseWorld Trust, Bristol
- Reports to: CEO
- Enhanced DBS required
How to Apply
To apply for this role please visit the Jobs page on our website to download our Application Form. We adhere to safer recruitment and can only accept applications via the application form.
Website Address: www.horseworld.org.uk
Please send applications to:
Email: Jen.dreux@horseworld.org.uk
Post: Jen Dreux HorseWorld, Delmar Hall Keynes Farm, Staunton Lane Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0QL
Closing Date: Friday 30 January 2026
Head of Discovery in Bristol employer: HorseWorld Trust
Contact Detail:
HorseWorld Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Discovery in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the equine education sector, attend relevant events, and connect with those who share your passion. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for equine-assisted learning! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about how horses can transform lives. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the HorseWorld Trust community and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Discovery in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what HorseWorld Trust is all about. Dive into our mission and values, especially how we blend equine care with educational support. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're on the same page as us!
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for helping young people and horses alike! Use your application to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to education and animal welfare. Let your passion shine through!
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, be as specific as possible. Instead of saying you have leadership skills, give examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. This helps us see the real impact you've made in previous roles.
Follow Our Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website using the official application form. We stick to safer recruitment practices, so we can only accept applications this way. It’s super easy, and it ensures your application gets to the right place!
How to prepare for a job interview at HorseWorld Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of Equine Assisted Learning and how it impacts young people. Brush up on Ofsted frameworks, ALP funding, and SEND/SEMH provisions. This knowledge will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed about the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences, especially in educational settings. Think of specific examples where you’ve developed teams or managed change effectively. Highlight how you can build a Centre of Excellence at HorseWorld Trust.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Approaches
Be ready to talk about how you prioritise the needs of young people in your work. Share examples of how you’ve implemented child-centred practices in past roles, and how you plan to uphold this ethos while ensuring horse welfare.
✨Connect with the Mission
HorseWorld Trust is all about 'People Helping Horses, Helping People'. Make sure you express your passion for this mission during the interview. Share why you believe in the power of horses to aid emotional growth and how you envision leading the Discovery programme into its next era.