About The College
Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East – the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running*, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment.
Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, and as the top performing land-based college nationally*, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.
Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas – Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.
In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.
Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.
- Taking Teaching Further – Taking Teaching Further
- Targeted Retention Incentive – Targeted Retention Incentive
About the Candidate
Are you passionate about horses and ready to build a rewarding career in further education?At Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall campus, we are seeking an authentic, dedicated, and skilled Equine Technician/Groom to join our team on a 0.5 basis (2.5 days per week). This exciting opportunity invites you to share your courage, respect, and commitment to excellence as you support the education and development of students within our Equine Studies programmes. Working alongside our passionate staff and well-cared-for horses, you’ll play a change maker role in creating an inspiring and supportive learning environment where both people and animals thrive.
About the Role
As an Equine Technician/Groom, you will play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of horse care and supporting the learning experience of our students. You will take authentic pride in providing daily care, feeding, grooming, and overall stable management to ensure the health, welfare, and happiness of all horses on site.
Working collaboratively with teaching staff, you will assist in preparing horses for riding lessons and practical sessions, contributing to an environment built on respect – for our animals, our students, and our colleagues. You will also take part in equine-related events and ensure the smooth upkeep of our stables, arenas, and equipment.
With a focus on excellence, you will maintain accurate records, follow best practice in horse management, and ensure all activities comply with health and safety regulations to promote a safe, professional, and supportive working environment. This role calls for courage to take initiative, work with integrity, and model the values we instil in our students every day.
Role Responsibilities
- Daily care of the college horses to include all aspects of horse husbandry
- Support students with yard dutiesandriding activities
- Prepare practical activities to support teaching staff
- Work as a team to maintain the highest standards of equine care and management
Qualifications
- GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in Mathematics
- GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in English Language
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum of 2 years industry experience in the equine industry
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
- Experience of working in a team
- Experience of working in an educational setting
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays – (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% – 28.68%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Karen Bell ( karen.bell@northumberland.ac.uk ) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
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