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- Tasks: Lead the future of education, shaping policies and driving transformation in Southampton.
- Company: Join a vibrant city committed to social justice and inclusive education for all children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive leadership team, collaborative culture, and a vibrant city rich in history.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives and help shape an equitable education system.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in education leadership, strong communication skills, and strategic vision required.
- Other info: Applications close on 29th June; exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration await!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the future of education in a city driven by compassion, ambition, and opportunity. Southampton is a city with ambition for our children, our communities, and our future. We are proud to be a vibrant, inclusive, and fast-growing city with a strong sense of social justice at our core. Our strategy is simple: to give our children and young people a good start in life, to live safely, be happy and healthy, learn and achieve. Our vision for education is clear: we want every child and young person to thrive, fulfil their potential, and help shape a city where opportunity is open to all.
We are now seeking an outstanding, values-led leader to join us as our next Director of Education. This is your opportunity to:
- Play a leading role in shaping and delivering our new City Plan, which prioritises growth, skills and tackling inequalities.
- Lead an experienced and committed education team across early years, school improvement, SEND, inclusion, and the Virtual School.
- Drive the next phase of transformation within education and learning, strengthening inclusive practice, improving attendance and outcomes, and ensuring sufficiency across the system.
- Work in partnership with headteachers, governors, multi-academy trusts, universities, and city stakeholders to lead a collaborative, child-focused system.
- Influence nationally, build on strong foundations, and ensure Southampton’s education system is ambitious, equitable, and fit for the future.
About you: We are looking for someone who can bring energy, credibility, and strategic vision to a complex and high-profile portfolio. Whether you are an experienced education leader, system leader, or someone who has led across children’s services or local government, what matters most is your commitment to improving outcomes – especially for those children and families who need us most.
You will bring:
- A successful track record of leading improvement across education and SEND systems.
- The ability to work strategically and collaboratively across council services, elected members, and wider partnerships.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills – building trust, inspiring teams, and bringing people together around a common vision.
- A strong grasp of inclusion, sufficiency planning, and the challenges facing education in a diverse urban context.
Why Southampton? This is an exciting time to join us. We have recently restructured our Education leadership team and are entering a new phase of delivery with a renewed focus on education standards, inclusion, and transformation. With a child-friendly city vision, a committed leadership team, and a strong culture of partnership working with schools and communities, this is a council where you can make a lasting difference.
Southampton offers:
- A highly supportive Executive Director and senior leadership team.
- A city with inclusive values, high ambition, and a focus on fairness.
- A culture of collaboration, innovation and purposeful change.
- A vibrant, well-connected place to live and work – rich in culture, history, and green spaces.
Be part of our story. Be the difference.
For further information or to apply, please visit: www.leadingsouthampton.com
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 29th June
Recruitment Timeline:
- Applications close: Midnight on Sunday 29th June
- Longlist meeting: Friday 4th July (no candidate involvement)
- Technical interview (virtual): Thursday 10th and/or Friday 11th July
- Shortlist meeting: Friday 18th July (no candidate involvement)
- Final Panel Process (in person in Southampton): Thursday 24th and Friday 25th July
Contact Detail:
TILE HILL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Education
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Southampton's City Plan and its educational priorities. Understanding the specific goals and challenges outlined in the plan will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former education leaders in Southampton. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the local education landscape and help you build relationships that may support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with inclusive practices and SEND systems in detail. Highlighting specific examples of successful initiatives you've led will demonstrate your capability to drive transformation in these areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative approach by thinking about potential partnerships you could foster. Be ready to suggest how you would engage with headteachers, governors, and community stakeholders to create a child-focused education system.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Education position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as leadership in education, strategic vision, and collaboration.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in education leadership, SEND systems, and your track record of improving outcomes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and strategically.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your commitment to social justice. Address how your values align with those of Southampton and how you can contribute to their vision for education.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style, experience with inclusion, and strategies for tackling educational inequalities. Prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your expertise and vision for the future of education in Southampton.
How to prepare for a job interview at TILE HILL
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southampton's vision for education. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with their commitment to inclusivity, ambition, and social justice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your successful track record in leading educational improvements, especially in SEND systems. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strategic vision and collaborative approach.
✨Communicate Effectively
Prepare to showcase your excellent communication and negotiation skills. Think of instances where you've built trust and inspired teams around a common vision, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Complex Challenges
Anticipate questions about the challenges facing education in diverse urban contexts. Reflect on your understanding of inclusion and sufficiency planning, and be ready to discuss how you would address these issues.
