Head of Adventure

Aiming to inspire a generation of Canford pupils to explore the opportunities offered by outdoor adventure and to realise their benefits in all aspects of their lives, the Head of Adventure will organise, lead and facilitate a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities while providing support and advice for all related programmes. Canford has a thriving outdoor programme including well-established expeditions to Norway and Scotland, Ten Tors and 80+ pupils doing DofE Gold.

The post-holder will also serve as Contingent Commander of the school’s thriving Combined Cadet Force (CCF), leading and supporting military and adventure training, and will oversee the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Together, these initiatives develop leadership, resilience and teamwork through expeditions, field days and outdoor experiences both at Canford and beyond.

This is a full time, term-time position, with additional days during school holidays. The successful applicant will not only work for Canford School they will also support the Canford Schools Group during the working week and will have experience working with young people alongside strong organisational and leadership skills, ideally supported by outdoor qualifications such as Mountain Leader. There will also be opportunities for additional work within the boarding duty tutoring team and wider involvement in the life of this vibrant and ambitious boarding school.

OVERALL PURPOSE

The role of the Head of Adventure (HoAd) is to organise, lead, and facilitate adventurous outdoor activities for pupils while providing support and guidance for all related co-curricular programmes. The post-holder will be responsible for overseeing the Canford Combined Cadet Force (CCF) as Contingent Commander, managing the Outdoor Education Centre, and leading a diverse range of adventurous experiences across the school.

This involves attending events both at Canford and at external venues, accompanying and supervising pupils, planning and delivering expeditions, organising logistical support, and ensuring that all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with statutory guidance. The HoAd will integrate outdoor adventure and cadet experiences into the wider school curriculum, enabling pupils to understand the links between different learning contexts, promoting personal development, leadership, resilience, moral responsibility, and creativity.

The post-holder will also act as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Manager, overseeing the school’s licensed programme, and will contribute more broadly to the life of the school, including leadership development, pastoral support, admissions, marketing, and co-curricular activities.

VISION:

Our vision is for a school community where all are 'inspired to explore, empowered to express and challenged to excel.' We are committed to educating pupils to make a real and positive difference in a challenging, diverse and often inequitable world.  Our programme must offer all our pupils the chance to explore the opportunities offered by outdoor adventure, allow them to express themselves through their physical wellbeing activities and facilitate those who wish to excel in their chosen path. The aim is to inspire a generation of Canford pupils to achieve their potential and to promote their physical wellbeing throughout their lives.

DUTIES

The Head of Adventure will be responsible for:

Leadership & Management

• Membership of the Senior Management Team (Co-Curricular).
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans for the CCF and Outdoor Adventure programmes.
• Regular review and updating of policies, procedures, risk assessments, and statutory guidance for all activities.
• Oversight and management of budgets for CCF and Outdoor Adventure programmes.
• Ensure effective internal and external communication regarding cadet and outdoor adventure programmes.
• Contribute to whole-school calendar planning to avoid clashes and ensure timely communication with parents.
• Co-ordinate with the various Cadet Branch HQs to implement any policy changes pertaining to the running of the CCF.

 Staff Management & Development

• Support staff in planning and delivery of CCF and outdoor adventure activities.
• Ensure staff are fully aware of relevant policies and receive appropriate training (pastoral, academic, and activity-specific).
• Oversee equitable allocation of staff across cadet and outdoor adventure programmes.
• Lead training and verification for DofE expeditions and Young Leader Programme.
• Ensure staff qualifications are maintained and staff are competent to deliver adventurous activities safely.

Pupil Engagement & Development

• Develop frameworks for pupils to record and understand personal development gained through participation in CCF and Outdoor Adventure.
• Monitor pupil participation and achievement, maintaining accurate records of qualifications, training, and progress.
• Plan and deliver a broad programme of outdoor and adventurous activities, including:
  • Cross-country skiing expeditions to Norway
  • Ten Tors challenges
  • Winter mountaineering in the Cairngorms
  • Overnight and summer adventure training
  • Year group activities: diving, mountain biking, survival, clay pigeon shooting, archery, and other outdoor experiences
• Facilitate opportunities for all pupils while supporting those achieving at higher levels.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Manager  

We are a licensed centre for DofE, with 80-90 Sixth Formers doing Gold plus an increasing appetite for Bronze in the lower years. Oversee a team of staff focussing on:

• Expeditions
• Verification
• Training
• Implementation of the Young Leader Programme.

Support to large and active Combined Cadet Force (CCF) delivering both military and adventurous training

Canford CCF is widely recognised as a leader in the sector, with 280+ cadets spread over Royal Navy, Army and Royal Marines detachments. The successful applicant would be required fulfil the role of Contingent Commander.  Duties include but not limited to:

• Attendance at Recces for all CCF Field Days and Exercises
• Planning of Annual Parade & Open Mornings
• Draft Ministry of Defence planning documentation and review/update risk assessments.
• Willingness and ability to take part in CCF activities as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, and to play a part in the CCF training on Monday afternoons

Year Group activities programme

Planning, allocation and overseeing delivery of a diverse programme of mainly outdoor activities to Year 11 pupils, focussed on broadening their experiences through a range of activities from PADI diving to mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting to survival.

Ideally to be able to support shooting activities in the range and also archery. 

Support to the wider school, not least in terms of leadership development, admissions and marketing and co-curricular & pastoral programmes

• Ensuring that our Outdoor Adventure is diverse and inclusive
• Ensuring staff are suitably qualified to contribute to our Outdoor Adventure programmes
• Maintaining records of pupil training programmes, goals, progress, and testing, alongside the Head of Athletic Development, and Head of Wellbeing.
• Participating in planning meetings (e.g. about the calendar) to ensure Outdoor Adventure opportunities are compatible with the other programmes available to our pupils.
• Coordinating with CCF staff, the Trips Office and support staff to organise logistics, transport, food, finance etc for related trips Striking a balance between the provision of opportunities for all and the achievement of excellence for some so that everyone has appropriate opportunities and are developing.
• To contribute whole-heartedly to other aspects of school life where possible and appropriate.
• The successful applicant should be ready to perform other duties as deemed acceptable and appropriate by the Headmaster.

No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and consequently the responsibilities are likely to expand and evolve.

Criteria for Success:

• Actively supporting the ethos of the school, and effective integration of Outdoor Adventure within the whole school context.
• Deliver effective and efficient programmes providing appropriate opportunity, participation, and support for all pupils.
• Maintaining positive relationships with staff and pupils.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding school.
• Professional appearance and manner
• Possess practical skills such as minibus driving and outdoor qualifications to lead activities safely

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE

• Enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and cadet training, inspiring pupils and staff.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to develop teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
• Extensive outdoor qualifications and experience, ideally Mountain Leader (Summer).
• Excellent planning and organisational skills for complex programmes, trips, and expeditions.
• Strong risk management awareness and ability to implement safety procedures.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication with pupils, staff, parents, and external partners.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptable and reflective, willing to learn and improve approaches.
• Committed to enhancing pupils’ personal development, leadership, and adventurous skills.
• Actively integrates outdoor adventure and cadet activities with wider school life.
• Maintains professional appearance and conduct appropriate to senior leadership.
• Practical skills including minibus driving and supervising diverse activities.
• Alignment with the school’s values, ethos, and inclusive culture.
• Flexible role delivery, open to combining with teaching, sports coaching, or tutoring.

For further information please contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: recruitment@canford.com. For queries contact David Neill, Deputy Head Co-Curricular on 01202 847575 or by email: dn@canford.com

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 23rd November 2025 and we anticipate that interviews will take place w/c 1st December 2025.

Early applications are very much encouraged.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.