Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
Summary
Whether you want to become a paddlesport coach, surfing instructor or have an interest in mountain biking, climbing or bushcraft, our outdoor leadership courses could be for you! They're delivered at our Easton College campus set in 200ha of Norfolk countryside.
Our Outdoor Leadership courses are 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.
With specialist equipment and access to Norfolk's stunning waterways, woodland landscapes and East coast surf, you will be able to experiment with a variety of water and adventure sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing and mountain biking.
You will also have the opportunity to develop your land based and bushcraft skills by completing a variety practical assessments and expeditions, that have included a 48 hour bush craft survival assessment.
Our Outdoor Leadership courses give 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.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the course and show some understanding of the industry.
Due to the nature of the course, all applicants must be prepared to participate in outdoor, adventurous activities in all weathers.
For information on activities you could get up to on the course check out our Outdoor Leadership CCN Instagram page. For example how to boil water in a paper bag, one match fire and how to fit a harness.
In past years 100% of students have progressed onto jobs or higher education in the outdoor adventure industry. Jobs include PGL coaches, instructors, outward bound leaders in the UK and abroad, around a third of students progress onto university based courses.
Why Our College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements:-
- Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 including English Language
OR - Level 2 in a related subject at Merit or above (including an English or Maths qualification at 4 or above).
Additional Requirements:-
- Completion of online ‘Easton Applicant Information Form’ via the QR Code
- A reference
- Attendance at a Curriculum Taster Day
- Completion of Summer Task (which you will receive on your Taster Day).
- You will also need to be able to swim 200m in 5 minutes due to the nature of the course and preparing for industry. A swim test will be arranged as part of your taster day.
Assessment
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 at enrolment.
In addition to your main programme, you may study English or Maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs English and Maths. Please check our English and Maths page for further information.
Where possible the course includes regular trips, visits and expeditions. Please check out our Outdoor Leadership CCN Instagram page to find out more of what we do.
Progression
Following the completion of this course, students will be able to progress onto Degree level courses at a variety of Univerisities. At City College Norwich we offer a BSC (Hons) in Sport, Health and Exercise Science.
Please ensure you check required UCAS points of your University choices.
Career Progression
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 (£12-30k per year),
Mountaineer / Climbing Instructor (£12-30k per year),
Snowboarding & Skiing instructor (£12-30k per year)
Bushcraft & Outdoor Education Provider (Variable)
and many more.
In recent years, 100% of our students have secured employment soon after completing their courses with us.
Fees
As this is 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 see our website.
Where Next?
Why Our College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
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