Job Introduction
Come and Join Our Team!
Outdoor Learning and Forest School Leader
Contract: Permanent, Part time, Term-Time Only with attendance at two INSETs | Required from September 2025 or sooner
Hours: 8.15am – 3.15pm (15 minutes break plus 30 minutes lunch) – 31.25 hours per week
Salary: Grade 4 pro-rata Teaching Assistant mornings, Grade 8 pro-rata Associate HLTA 1.00pm -3.15pm afternoons (Afternoon only role applications will be considered)
Grade 4 - £24404-£24,790 FTE/ Grade 8 - £30,559 - £33,366 FTE
Location: Drayton Community Primary School, near Abingdon, South Oxfordshire
Reporting to: Senior Leadership Team
A Unique Opportunity
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to lead, develop, and enhance outdoor learning at Drayton Community Primary School. We are seeking an enthusiastic, nature-loving, and skilled Forest School Leader (or commitment to complete the training) to deliver engaging, progressive and creative outdoor education for children aged 3–11. With our very own woodland area, pond, entire field and recently launched school garden, this is your outdoor classroom—ready for transformation!
About Us
Drayton Community Primary School is a welcoming, one-form entry school situated just outside Abingdon in South Oxfordshire, with excellent transport links to the A34/M4, Oxford, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. We are proud of our strong community spirit, with an active parent group (FODSA), a dedicated team of staff, and children who are eager to learn and take pride in their achievements.
Why Join Drayton?
• You will lead a subject area, building a model of excellence in Outdoor Learning.
• You will develop a bespoke curriculum inspired by Forest School pedagogy.
• You will receive full support from the senior leadership team and a warm, collaborative staff.
• You will be supported in submitting funding proposals and building community partnerships.
• You’ll be helping pupils further develop critical life skills like resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving—all while maintaining their already deep connection with nature.
What We Offer
- A warm, purposeful school culture with high expectations and clear routines
- Children who are enthusiastic, kind, knowledgeable about nature and keen to learn more
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth
- A 6-month induction program with a mentor, as part of a structured probation period
- A coaching-based professional development model, rooted in current research
- A creative, inclusive environment where your voice is valued
- A supportive community, who believe in the importance of outdoor learning
- Wild Warriors (pupil leaders) who are committing to supporting the planet and our impact on it
What We’re Looking For
- A passion for teaching and learning with a strong track record of excellent practice
- Experience across at least two primary key stages
- A leader with vision and drive to promote the importance of caring for our environment in a climate challenged world
- A reflective practitioner who thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement
- Someone committed to inclusive, holistic education that supports every child to flourish
- Commitment to the school and wider community
Our Pupils Say:
“Our school is amazing because we have a variety of learning opportunities, a wonderful school library, and lots of support with learning. Our lessons are creative, fun and everyone here is friendly and generous.” – School Council, January 2025
Our Parents Say:
“We are very happy with our child’s progress in school and she is very happy here.”
“Both my daughters have been to Drayton and I can safely say it is a wonderful place to be.”
“My child is really very happy at school. She loves all her teachers and has never had a bad word to say (although she would like more snow days)!” February 2025
Ofsted said:
“Pupils are proud to attend this welcoming school where everyone flourishes… The school has high ambition for all pupils, including those with SEND. Pupils engage highly in lessons and value the support that staff provide… They love to share their learning and talk enthusiastically about the interesting topics they study.” September 2023
How to Apply
If you are a passionate educator ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our vibrant school community, we would love to hear from you. Visit our website https://drayton-pri.oxon.sch.uk for the full job description and application form. Visits to our school are strongly encouraged. You will get to tour the whole school with our friendly class ambassadors, meet the staff team and experience our school in action as well as join the leadership team for an informal conversation. You can arrange a visit by emailing office.2560@drayton-pri.oxon.sch.uk.
Application deadline: Monday 7th July
Please note applications will be reviewed on arrival and the closing date and interviews may be brought forward.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email the same week, or following early applications, with interview day requirements.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
