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Secondary Schools Programmes Manager, WADDESDON MANOR
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Secondary Schools Programmes Manager
HOW TO APPLY:
We are looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their suitability for this role. To be considered, please submit a covering letter and your CV. Applications without a covering letter will not be shortlisted, so take this opportunity to show us why you are the right fit!
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced Secondary Schools Programmes Manager to be an integral part of the Learning team at Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château.
The Learning team are responsible for delivering a wide-ranging suite of educational programmes and activities focused on the resources at Waddesdon, from primary to secondary school pupils. Thanks to the Rothschild Foundation’s generous investment in Waddesdon School’s Sixth Form building project, this exciting new post will secure a lasting partnership between Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon Estates LLP and Waddesdon School.
The successful candidate will assist in the development of an innovative blueprint that will provide experiential learning opportunities across the Manor and Estate for Waddesdon School pupils. Working collaboratively with the school and Manor, the post-holder will manage the programme and act as the central liaison between the partners. Once established, the intention is to include other secondary schools to become a national model of excellence.
What you will do:
This is a hands-on role, directly engaging with young people and forming part of the team delivering the existing schools and education provision at Waddesdon Manor.
An experiential curricular and super-curricular programme of activities will enable students to:
- Deepen knowledge through access to cultural and natural heritage
- Tackle issues that matter to them, particularly environmental challenges, and mental health
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills through creative, physical and outdoor experiences
- Raise aspirations for their futures through encounters with working adults
A suite of qualifications, activities and experiential learning will be in partnership with Waddesdon School, building on existing pilot projects. The aim is to ensure the active involvement of Sixth Form students, as well as providing beneficial opportunities for students of all ages.
Due to the desire for this innovative programme to be offered to other secondary schools as part of its development, considering how to make it scalable is an important part of the role.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Programme Development & Delivery (Waddesdon Focused):
- In close partnership with Waddesdon School, lead the design and delivery of a secondary schools programme rooted in the rich educational opportunities at Waddesdon Manor and Waddesdon Estate
- Co-design activities with teachers, students and Learning Team colleagues, ensuring strong student voice, which enhance the curriculum
- Oversee and, where appropriate, directly deliver learning activities alongside Waddesdon staff and schoolteachers
- Ensure all activity reflects best practice in experiential, inclusive and place-based learning
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Programme Development & Future Roll-Out:
- Capture learning, resources and delivery models developed through the Waddesdon pilot
- Develop a clear, tested blueprint that can be adapted for use with other secondary schools
- Support phased expansion once the Waddesdon programme is established and evaluated
Safeguarding, Risk & Quality:
- Lead on safeguarding practice within the secondary schools programme
- Ensure robust risk assessments and safe working practices for all on-site and off-site activities
- Maintain high standards of supervision, care and duty of care
Partnership & Communication:
- Act as the main relationship lead for Waddesdon School
- Work closely with internal teams across Waddesdon Manor to support programme delivery
- Enable clear communication and coordination between all stakeholders
- Participate in regular planning and review meetings
Operations, Planning & Coordination:
- Manage timetabling, logistics and staffing for assemblies, visits, projects, campaigns and expeditions
- Coordinate careers encounters, work placements and employer engagement linked to Waddesdon
- Support the development of awards, recognition schemes or accreditation
- Work with volunteers on an occasional basis to enhance delivery where appropriate
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning:
- Design and embed monitoring and both internal and external evaluation processes to assess impact at Waddesdon
- Use findings to refine the programme and inform future roll-out
- Contribute evidence and insight to support organisational learning and funding activity
Contribute to the Wider Learning Team:
- Actively contribute to the work of the Waddesdon Learning Team, supporting other programmes and events as required
- Work flexibly across projects during peak periods
- Share learning and best practice with colleagues
You will be a great fit if:
You must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as exceptional organisation and project management capabilities. A demonstrable interest in the core themes of cultural education and sustainability is essential too.
You’ll have a strong belief that every young person deserves access to high-quality education, and demonstrate a commitment to place-based, inclusive learning. A confident, thoughtful and collaborative approach to your work is important as you’ll need to be a flexible team player. The role is heavily strategic, and so it is important that you can offer a reflective perspective and are delivery-focused.
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Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:
Essential:
- Proven experience in programme or project management within education, youth engagement or cultural/environmental settings
- Experience of working with secondary-aged young people from diverse backgrounds
- Strong facilitation, teaching and presentation skills
- Ability to build strong relationships with schools and internal teams
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- A thorough understanding of safeguarding best practice
Desirable:
- Experience of developing programmes for replication or scale
- Experience of working with volunteers
- Awareness of challenges facing young people across diverse contexts
- Interest in heritage, landscape and sustainability as learning resources
- Working knowledge of national qualifications and progression routes
- Strong digital and IT skills, including MS Office and social media platforms
Additional Requirements:
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults are of the utmost importance for any role at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor. Consequently, this position may require a basic or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to uphold the safety and security of all our guests, staff and volunteers.
Workplace adjustments:
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, compressed hours, providing equipment or changes to the workplace, where possible.
EDI
At the Rothschild Foundation, we place Equality, Inclusion and Diversity at the core of our values. We strive to be an organisation that actively addresses inequality and prejudice while fostering a truly anti-racist culture. Our approach is centered on meaningful and equitable support and development for you and others throughout your time with us. We are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, where every team member feels valued, respected, and has a true sense of belonging.
Closing Date:
midnight, Monday 10 August 2026.
Interview Date:
provisionally held for Monday 24 August and Monday 7 August 2026.
If you apply for this role and are selected to interview, here is what you can expect:
Round 1:
- In-person interview with Head of Learning and Head Teacher of Waddesdon Church of England School
Round 2:
- In-person interview with Head of Learning, Head Teacher of Waddesdon Church of England School, and Director of Waddesdon
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