Equine Support Assistant

Equine Support Assistant
Location: Wareham
Salary: £13.68 – £16.12 per hour (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Are you passionate about working with young people and have a love for horses? Do you want to help students develop confidence, practical skills, and a love of equine care in a school environment?

If so, GSL Education are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Equine Support Assistant to join schools in Wareham. This role provides a unique opportunity to support students’ learning and personal development through equine activities. Ideally, candidates will hold a valid driving licence and be willing to drive for school activities.

About the Role:

As an Equine Support Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff to deliver engaging equine-based learning experiences. You will assist with practical tasks, support students’ academic and personal growth, and help ensure the safety and welfare of the horses.

About the School:

The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils. 

What you have to do as an Equine Support Assistant:

• Support students during practical equine lessons and activities.
• Assist teaching staff in delivering structured and engaging equine learning sessions.
• Provide one-to-one or small group support for students requiring additional assistance.
• Supervise students during equine activities, ensuring safety at all times.
• Assist with horse care including grooming, feeding, tacking, and stable maintenance.
• Promote teamwork, responsibility, and independence through equine activities.
• Monitor student engagement and progress, reporting to teaching staff.
• Support students with social, emotional, or behavioural needs in an outdoor environment.
• Maintain safe and organised stables, arenas, and equipment.
• Support extracurricular equine clubs, school projects, and trips as required.

Skills & Qualifications for an Equine Support Assistant:

• Experience working with young people in educational or animal care settings.
• Knowledge or experience in horse care and handling.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to drive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to supporting children’s development.
• Awareness of safeguarding and child protection policies.

Why Join GSL Education?

• Competitive pay with flexible working hours.
• Dedicated consultants supporting your career progression.
• Opportunities to work in schools across Wareham and surrounding areas.
• Access to professional development and training in education and equine care.

To work with GSL Education as an Equine Support Assistant, you should:

• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from within the last 2 years.
• Have a DBS registered to the update service or be happy to apply for one with GSL Education.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the "Equine Support Assistant" role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.