At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students in horticulture through engaging practical and theory-based lessons.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, a leading education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 45 days annual leave, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a beautiful parkland setting.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Horticulture and teaching experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38169 - 38169 £ per year.
Location: Shuttleworth College – Old Warden
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £33,048 and £38,169 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 45 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, Teacher’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses. Note – Salary and annual leave entitlement is for that of a Qualified Lecturer.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role:
We are currently seeking a Lecturer in Horticulture to join our Land-based Education department at The Bedford College Group.
- Teaching & Learning Delivery: Plan, prepare, deliver, and assess high-quality horticulture programmes across City & Guilds, T Level, and RHS Level 2 and 3 qualifications, using effective practical and theory-based teaching methods to support learner success.
- Learner Progress & Student Support: Monitor, assess, and report on learner progress, providing guidance, feedback, and personal tutoring to help students achieve their goals and progress into further study or employment.
- Curriculum Development & Quality Assurance: Develop schemes of work and learning resources, contribute to curriculum enhancement, and participate in quality assurance activities to maintain high educational standards.
- Industry Engagement & Resource Management: Maintain horticultural facilities and learning resources while developing strong employer and industry partnerships to enhance learner opportunities, employability, and curriculum relevance.
- Compliance & Professional Responsibilities: Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health & safety, while engaging in continuous professional development and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
About you:
- Qualifications & Industry Expertise: Level 3 qualification in Horticulture (or higher), GCSE English and Maths, and willingness to achieve a teaching qualification, supported by recent industry experience and strong practical horticultural knowledge.
- Teaching & Training Capability: Experience delivering teaching, training, or assessment activities, with the ability to provide engaging practical and theory-based learning across a range of horticultural programmes and learner levels.
- Communication & Learner Support Skills: Strong communication, assessment, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support learner achievement, provide constructive feedback, and promote progression into further study or employment.
- Organisation & Professional Standards: Excellent organisational skills, reliability, and adaptability, with a learner-focused approach and the ability to maintain high standards of performance and professionalism.
- Flexibility & Continuous Development: Full driving licence, commitment to ongoing CPD and industry updating, and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support curriculum delivery and organisational needs.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
If you do not hold a recognised, qualified teaching qualification, please see attached PGCE CertEd information.
Interviews to be held: 06 August 2026
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About Shuttleworth College:
Shuttleworth College is set within the stunning location of Old Warden Park, near Biggleswade. It's a specialist land-based college, offering agricultural and environmental education, alongside animal sciences, equine studies and outdoor adventure all delivered within acres of parkland, farmland, lakes and woodland.
About The Bedford College Group:
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.
Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding our Students:
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade employer: The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and success of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located at Chicksands Military Base, this role provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives while enjoying generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave and a competitive salary. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on inclusivity, you will find a rewarding environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like The Bedford College Group.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like The Bedford College Group.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at The Bedford College Group; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer - Horticulture in Biggleswade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at The Bedford College Group.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Lecturer - Horticulture.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what The Bedford College Group is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at The Bedford College Group a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at The Bedford College Group might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
