Forest School Lead

Forest School Lead (Permanent role, to start in September 2026)

Silcoates is a successful independent co‑educational day school with a long and proud history. The school is set in 60 acres of grounds in Wrenthorpe, near Wakefield, within easy reach of the M1 and M62, offering an all‑through, fully co‑educational day school experience for children from 2 to 18. We achieve excellent academic results and offer a broad and stimulating variety of co‑curricular activities.

We are seeking to appoint a qualified and experienced Forest School Lead in our Junior School.

The role involves leading, developing and delivering the Forest School curriculum for children from Reception to Year 6, supporting pupils’ academic, social, emotional and physical development. You will be responsible for ensuring that Forest School sessions are delivering clear learning objectives and that the setting is safe and well run.

You should be a Level 3 Forest School practitioner and have experience in designing and delivering your own sessions independently. You should have a good understanding of the health and safety and risk management aspects of Forest School and be able to demonstrate familiarity with appropriate learning strategies, for example in numeracy and literacy.

You will work closely with class teachers and teaching assistants in the delivery of sessions, so you must be able to develop good working relationships. An ability to develop good relationships with our children and their parents is also essential. You should be an ambassador for Forest School and the opportunities it can offer our pupils and be able to show your passion and enthusiasm for outdoor education.

The role is permanent. Core hours of Forest School delivery are 10am to 3pm daily, but the role can also be offered on a full time basis by combining additional duties of supervision and classroom support, depending on your skills and experience. The role is offered on a term time only basis, term length being 35 weeks per annum.

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs. An application form is available on our website:

Silcoates School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS.

Closing date:
Monday 16th March, 9am