Head of Outdoor Education and Principal - West Sussex
Ardingly College
Location: Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Salary: £45,000-£55,000
Closes: 16/5/25
Head of Outdoor Education and Principal of Ardingly Activity Centre at Ardingly College
Full-Time, Permanent
The Post
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Head of Outdoor Education and Principal at the Ardingly Activity Centre. This is a dual role that would suit an experienced Outdoor Education leader as it requires leadership of Ardingly College’s Outdoor Education programme and of the Activity Centre that provides water-sports for the public on the Ardingly Reservoir.
Ardingly College recently acquired the lease to operate the Activity Centre at Ardingly Reservoir, close to the College itself. This is an exciting opportunity to grow the water-sports programme both for College and local use, and to develop the College’s Outdoor Education around it.
We seek an individual who has the drive to deliver a vision for Outdoor Education at the College from Reception to Upper Sixth, who has new ideas and aspirations to take this area of College life to the next level.
The successful applicant will have a specialism in either water-sports or other aspects of Outdoor Education, and should have qualifications or be working towards qualifications in any of these disciplines: Climbing (SPA or CWA), Kayaking/Canoeing (Paddle sport Leader), and mountain walking (Mountain Leader Training). We are looking for someone who is passionate about adventure, who has a love of the outdoors and who wishes to share that passion with enthusiastic and energetic young people.
Reporting
The Head of Outdoor Education reports to the Assistant Head Co-Curricular and Partnerships for the fulfilment of their College-focussed duties, with a dotted line to the Operations Manager of Ardingly Projects Limited in their oversight of the Activity Centre.
Duties and Responsibilities
The College Water Sports programme
Working with the Director of Sport to formulate and deliver a water-sports programme throughout the College to enhance the co-curricular offering.
The College Outdoor Education Programme:
Further develop the outdoor education programme beyond DoE, this will involve looking at participation in the Ten Tor Challenge and other equivalent projects.
Management and administration of the DofE programme, supported by a DoE administrator.
Lead and co-ordinate the Gold DoE Award.
Line-manage the Silver and Bronze Co-ordinators.
Other College responsibilities (to be agreed):
Educations and Visits Coordinator (EVC) for the College, supported by an EVC Administrator.
Organise Ski Trips and lead at least one of them.
Contribute to the club offering, specifically lunchtime clubs which include an outdoor education offering, e.g DoE, archery.
Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre
Oversee the daily operations of the Activity Centre, ensuring all areas (water-based, land-based) operate safely and smoothly.
Manage the activity programme, including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation for all activities.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and safeguarding policies.
Working with the Ardingly Projects Limited (APL) Operations Manager, be accountable for the commercial performance of the Activity Centre, ensuring delivery against agreed budgets.
Manage relationships with partners such as Ardingly Rowing Club, Mid Sussex Triathlon Club, and any other external stakeholders.
Develop new initiatives to enhance the customer experience and grow participation in activities.
Activities at the Activity Centre
Working with the Chief Instructor, lead the instruction of water sports including kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and other activities as required.
Provide safety oversight for open water swimming (members only) and fishing rights.
Ensure there is a robust maintenance programme is in place for all watercraft to ensure equipment is in good working order.
Instruction and Training:
Working with the Chief Instructor, lead and coordinate ongoing training and development of the instructional team.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels for all activities, based on bookings and seasonal demand.
Responsible for recruitment and management of staff.
Health and Safety and Compliance:
Ensure the centre meets the standards required for the Royal Yachting Association, Paddle UK, AALA recognition and any other governing body that may be relevant.
Review the Health and Safety policy annually and ensure that working knowledge of risk assessments and standard operating procedures is current and up to date.
With the Chief Instructor, assess suitability of weather conditions for any planned activities.
Ensure all activities are delivered in line with health and safety regulations.
Regularly review and update risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
Respond effectively to incidents, accidents, and emergencies.
Terms and Conditions: This is a full time full year role, although hours will be worked on an annualised basis in view of the seasonal nature of the role. Work pattern to be agreed from time to time in consultation with colleagues and line manager(s).
Rate of Pay: £45,000-£55,000 per annum
Holidays: 25 Days per annum. 5 days must be taken during the College’s Christmas closure.
Closing date: 16/04/2025 (5pm)
How to Apply: Applications should be made via our on-line recruitment system at www.ardingly.com/staff-recruitment/vacancies and should include a covering letter or personal statement outlining the applicant’s suitability for the role and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees, one of whom must be the applicant’s current employer. Ardingly College is committed to ensuring the welfare of our pupils and appropriate checks will be made before the appointment is finalised.