Lecturer and Programme Leader: Horticulture
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 EPNE was 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.
About the Candidate
Are you an experienced horticulture professional with a passion for education? We are looking for an enthusiastic Lecturer and Programme Leader to inspire the next generation of horticulturists while leading and developing our horticulture provision at Kirkley Hall.
Candidates will need to be available to work on Wednesdays, with the other half-day being flexible and agreed upon from Monday to Friday . In this role, you will deliver outstanding teaching and learning, support student recruitment, achievement and progression, and take ownership of programme quality and development. You'll work closely with students, employers and colleagues to ensure an exceptional learner experience and positive career outcomes.
The successful candidate will have a relevant Level 3 horticulture qualification, industry experience, and a commitment to helping students succeed. Teaching qualifications are desirable, although support may be available for the right candidate.
Join us at our beautiful Kirkley Hall Campus and help shape the future of land-based education.
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.
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 claire.gibson@northumberland.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
Further details: Job Description Email details to a friend
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 EPNE was 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 an experienced horticulture professional with a passion for education? We are looking for an enthusiastic Lecturer and Programme Leader to inspire the next generation of horticulturists while leading and developing our horticulture provision at Kirkley Hall.
Candidates will need to be available to work on Wednesdays, with the other half-day being flexible and agreed upon from Monday to Friday . In this role, you will deliver outstanding teaching and learning, support student recruitment, achievement and progression, and take ownership of programme quality and development. You'll work closely with students, employers and colleagues to ensure an exceptional learner experience and positive career outcomes.
The successful candidate will have a relevant Level 3 horticulture qualification, industry experience, and a commitment to helping students succeed. Teaching qualifications are desirable, although support may be available for the right candidate.
Join us at our beautiful Kirkley Hall Campus and help shape the future of land-based education.
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 - depending on role
- 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 claire.gibson@northumberland.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
Further details: Job Description Email details to a friend