Job description
Not a typical mentoring role. A different kind of impact.
When learning moves beyond the classroom and into the outdoors, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, barriers begin to fall, and young people start to see themselves in a more positive way.
Our Adventure Learning team supports pupils who often find traditional education challenging or overwhelming. Many of the young people we work with may feel disengaged from school, have experienced barriers to attendance, or struggle with social, emotional and behavioural needs. For some, education hasn’t yet been a place where they have felt successful or understood.
This is where you come in.
As an Outdoor Learning Mentor, you will play a key role in helping pupils reconnect with learning through practical, hands-on and outdoor experiences. Working alongside teachers and instructors, you will support pupils both onsite and in a wide range of offsite activities-from bushcraft and paddle sports to climbing and team-building sessions. You will help create opportunities for pupils to experience success in ways that feel meaningful and achievable to them.
Because before progress can happen, young people need to feel safe, supported and valued. And when they do-those moments matter.
A pupil engages when they previously felt withdrawn.
A young person manages a situation calmly for the first time.
Someone begins to believe they are capable of learning and change.
That’s the impact you’ll have.
What you’ll be doing:
Supporting teachers and instructors during outdoor and classroom-based learning activities
Working with pupils individually and in small groups to support engagement, behaviour and progress
Assisting pupils in working towards targets set out in their individual plans
Helping to deliver and supervise outdoor learning sessions and educational visits
Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage participation and confidence
Supporting the development of social, emotional and study skills
Working with families, carers and external professionals to support each young person holistically
Who you are:
Passionate about supporting young people through practical and outdoor learning approaches
Patient, empathetic and able to build trust with pupils who may feel disengaged or unsure
Calm and resilient, with the ability to respond positively to challenging situations
Adaptable and flexible, able to work across different environments and activities
A positive role model who encourages confidence,independenceand resilience
A strong teamplayer who works well with colleagues and external partners
Committed to supporting pupils with a wide range of needs, including SEMH and SEND
Organised and responsible, with a strong focus on safeguarding,safetyand wellbeing
Motivated by supporting small but meaningful steps of progress in young people’s lives
Applications are handled on Teaching Vacancies (GOV.UK).
About this school
The Harbour School
Academy special converter · Ages 5–19
- Pupils
- 123
- Avg teacher salary
- £49,462
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 3.4:1
- Academy trust
- SOUTHERN EDUCATION TRUST
Average (mean) teacher salary · DfE School Workforce Census 2024/25
View full school profileOfsted rating key
Not rated= no current Ofsted judgement — typically a new school, a recently-converted academy not yet inspected, or a school type Ofsted doesn’t grade.
Location
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Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO2 8RA
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- Contract
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- Working pattern
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- Posted
- 10 September 2026
- Closing date
- 2 October 2026
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