WORK WITH US
WORK WITH LEARN OUTDOORS
Learn Outdoors delivers high-quality Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training and expeditions for schools and youth groups across England and Wales. We’re always interested in hearing from experienced, professional outdoor instructors who would like to work with us on a freelance basis.
We’re a friendly, professional team and we take pride in looking after our instructors. Many of the instructors we work with return year after year, and we value the experience, professionalism and continuity they bring to our programmes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
To work with us as a freelance DofE instructor, you’ll need:
A relevant walking qualification
A current 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification
A current Enhanced DBS certificate
A current DofE Assessor qualification
We’re looking for instructors who are professional, reliable, approachable and enjoy working with young people in the outdoors.
WHY WORK WITH US?
A FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL TEAM
We work hard to make our programmes well organised and enjoyable for both participants and instructors. We value good communication and treat our instructors with respect.
REGULAR OPPORTUNITIES
We run DofE programmes throughout the year, including training, practice and qualifying expeditions. Many of our instructors choose to work with us year after year.
WE LOOK AFTER OUR INSTRUCTORS
We aim to be clear and transparent about the work, expectations and arrangements before you arrive. We believe that well-supported instructors deliver the best experience for participants.
CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Our expedition planning includes appropriate pastoral arrangements for participants. Overnight pastoral care remains with the school or group’s designated staff, allowing our instructors to focus on their role of delivering and supervising the DofE expedition.
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS
We’re proud of the feedback we receive from instructors and schools, and we believe our long-standing relationships with freelance instructors speak for themselves.
INTERESTED?
If you meet the requirements above and would like to work with Learn Outdoors, please complete our freelance instructor enquiry form.
[REGISTER YOUR INTEREST →]
We’ll review your details and get in touch to discuss opportunities.
BUSHCRAFT INSTRUCTORS
If you’re interested in working with us specifically in bushcraft, please contact us directly. We’re always happy to hear from experienced bushcraft instructors.
enquiries@learn-outdoors.co.uk
01597 811107
We come to you. Our experienced instructors can deliver DofE expedition training at your school or suitable venue, covering navigation, route planning, equipment, campcraft, cooking and expedition safety.
DofE Training & Expeditions
We can run Bronze and Silver practice and qualifying expeditions locally in Surrey, giving students the opportunity to build their skills and complete their DofE without the added time, cost and logistics of travelling further afield.
Gold DofE is delivered in more challenging and remote environments elsewhere in the UK, providing the progression in terrain and experience expected at Gold level.
FULL DofE EXPEDITION SUPPORT FOR SURREY SCHOOLS
We provide full DofE expedition services for schools in South East England, including:
DofE expedition training and preparation
Route planning and navigation training
Campsite bookings and land access coordination
Practice and qualifying DofE expeditions
Fully qualified DofE instructors and supervisors
Accredited assessment and expedition sign-off
Our South East DofE expeditions are designed to be safe, challenging and rewarding, supporting young people to successfully complete their Award. Discover more about whats included in your DofE expedition.
DofE WITH LEARN OUTDOORS
See DofE expeditions with Learn Outdoors in action.
GOT A QUESTION? LET’S CHAT!
Book a free, one-to-one, 30-minute online DofE Expedition Clinic with us to discuss any DofE expedition questions you have.
“A LOT OF PEOPLE IN MY YEAR I’VE NEVER SPOKEN TO BEFORE MY DofE. SO IV’E GOT TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND GET TO KNOW THEM”.
— Silver DofE Participant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes. We can take responsibility for the complete expedition programme, including planning, training, staffing, supervision, assessment and logistics.
Alternatively, schools can remain more heavily involved and use Learn Outdoors only for the elements where they need additional support.
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Yes. Surrey offers varied countryside and established walking routes. The environment can provide an appropriate level of challenge for Bronze participants while remaining accessible for schools.
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All routes are risk-assessed in advance. Where road crossings are unavoidable, they are:
Minimal
Carefully chosen
Briefed thoroughly with teams
Supervised appropriately where required
We prioritise quieter lanes, bridleways and other rights of way wherever possible.
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The South East generally experiences milder conditions than many other UK regions, but we plan for all weather scenarios.
Our instructors:
Monitor forecasts closely
Adjust routes if necessary
Ensure safe camping locations
Provide clear emergency procedures
Although we prefer blue skies and sunshine, challenging weather can often help build resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills which leads to participants gaining more from the experience.
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Yes. The Surrey Hills in particular can provide increased physical and navigational challenge for Silver groups. Routes can be planned to incorporate longer days, more demanding terrain and greater independence.
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Yes. We can help schools manage the logistics of parent drop-offs for expeditions. Including, best locations, timings and tips for smooth drop offs.