Job Description

About the role: Equine Yard Assistant - Groom/Rider

Activate Learning has a permanent, part-time opportunity for an

Equine Yard Assistant

- Groom/Rider

to join our team at Merrist Wood College.


In this role,

Equine Yard Assistant

, you will be responsible for the daily care and wellbeing of the horses and ponies on the equine yard. Your duties will include assisting with exercise routines for a range of college horses, supporting the delivery of commercial courses and activities, and supervising students and visitors on the yard to ensure a safe and positive environment.


This position is part-time at 0.6 FTE and based at our Merrist Wood College campus.

What do you need to be a successful Equine Yard Assistant - Groom/Rider?

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled equine professional with hands-on experience, relevant qualifications, and a positive, team-oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and committed to ongoing development within the equine industry.

Experience working on a professional equine yard or within an equine business A relevant professional or vocational qualification at Level 3 or above Experience riding a variety of horses BHS Stage 2 in Care, Riding, and Lunge - or a willingness to work towards achieving this

Who we are:

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.


We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.


When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.

Wellbeing & Resources Groups

: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.

Company benefits

: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.

Learning and Development

: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.

Teaching Support

: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.

Pension Schemes

: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.

Generous Annual Leave

: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.

Flexible Working

: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.

Competitive salaries

: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.

On-Site Facilities

: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our

work-with-us/wellbeing-and-benefits page

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity, closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter into an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.