Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Whether you want to become a paddlesport coach, surfing instructor, or have an interest in mountain biking, climbing or bushcraft, our Outdoor Leadership course is for you! This course is set amongst 160 hectares of Norfolk countryside.
Our Outdoor Leadership course is designed to ensure you get a range of theory and practical hands-on experience, to develop the future guides and coaches for the outdoor industry and beyond.
With specialist equipment and access to Norfolk's stunning waterways, woodland landscapes and East coast surf, you will be able learn the skills to become an instructor in a variety of water and adventure sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, bushcraft, climbing and mountain biking . You will also have the opportunity to develop your land and water based skills by completing a variety practical assessments and expeditions.
Our Outdoor Leadership course gives you access to expert tutoring and support, with teachers and coaches who have many years experience in a variety of roles in the outdoor industry including management to Olympic development. They will guide you to gain practical, technical and tactical skills that will be invaluable for any career path you choose to follow within the outdoor industry.
You must demonstrate a commitment to the course and show some understanding of the industry. Due to the nature of the course, you must be prepared to participate in outdoor, adventurous activities in all weathers both land and water.
For information on activities you could get up to on the course, check out our Outdoor Leadership Instagram page which is filled with the weekly activities we deliver - @outdoorleadershipccn
In past years, 100% of students have progressed onto jobs or higher education in the outdoor adventure industry. Jobs include PGL leaders and coaches, instructors, outward bound guides in the UK and abroad, around a third of students progress onto university based courses.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements:
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 including English language and maths
Or - Level 2 in a related subject at Merit or above (including an English and maths qualification at grade 4 or above)
Additional requirements:
- Completion of an online Easton Applicant Information Form
- Two references (one from your school teacher, and the other can be from a sports coach, cadet leader, or another teacher)
- Completion of a Pre-Enrolment Task, to provide an indication into your academic ability and attitudes towards learning
- Due to the nature of the course and preparing for industry, you will need to be able to swim 200m in five minutes. A swim test will be arranged as part of the enrolment process.
- Attend a Curriculum Taster Day (various dates available across the academic year)
- All steps must be completed prior to any course enrolment.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including some externally assessed qualifications and internally assessed vocational units. Assessment methods could include assignments, research projects, presentations, demonstrations. All students will be required to complete work experience as part of their course, which will be discussed with you at enrolment.
In addition to your main programme, you may study English or maths. Depending on your grades at entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs.
Course Progression
You could progress onto degree-level courses at a variety of universities in outdoor leadership, outdoor sports coaching, or management. Through City College Norwich Higher Education, you could study a BSC (Hons) in Sport, Health and Exercise Science at Easton College, which really compliments the outdoor leadership pathway in sport.
Please ensure you check required UCAS points of your university choices.
You may also look to pursue an apprenticeship or move into employment.
Where Your Course Can Take You
Studying Outdoor Leadership gives you access to excellent employment opportunities that have seen our students travel the world and unlock opportunities for self employment.
Our courses are designed to provide you with the qualifications, skills and real work experiences you need to start your journey to an exciting career as a:
- Paddlesport / Surfing Instructor
- Sailing instructor / Trainee skipper
- Mountaineer / Climbing Instructor
- Snowboarding and Skiing instructor
- Bushcraft and Outdoor Education Provider
In recent years, 100% of our students have secured employment soon after completing their courses with us.
Fees
As this is an outdoor adventure course, you will be expected to have your own equipment and kit. This can be purchased via the college at discounted prices and will cost in the region of £270 plus £80 for uniform.
If you already have some of your own kit, and as long as the course leader is happy with its suitability, you will be able to use your own.
In addition there may be other costs for some qualifications and trips. If you are over 19 years additional costs will also apply. Please contact the college for more information.
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