Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the future of education, shaping strategies for growth and inclusion.
- Company: Join Southampton, a vibrant city committed to social justice and educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive leadership team, collaborative culture, and a vibrant city life.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives in a city focused on fairness and opportunity.
- Qualifications: Bring experience in education leadership, strategic vision, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a child-friendly city with rich cultural heritage.
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 or contact: Helen Alwell – 07931 543313 – helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk Anita Denton – 07725 554802 – anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk
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
To apply: To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only.
If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact anna.shepherd@tile-hill.co.uk. Applications should include: Full contact details; Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees); Details of your current salary and notice period; Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.
Director of Education employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment 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 local education leaders and stakeholders in Southampton. Building relationships with headteachers, governors, and community organisations can provide valuable insights and demonstrate your commitment to collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with inclusive practices and SEND systems. Highlighting your successful strategies in these areas will resonate well with the council's focus on equity and support for all children.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in urban education. Being knowledgeable about national policies and local issues will position you as a credible candidate who can influence and lead effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Director of Education position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their vision for education in Southampton.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use it to detail your relevant experience and achievements, specifically addressing the key criteria mentioned in the job description. Provide concrete examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to improving educational outcomes.
Keep Your CV Concise: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and no longer than four sides of A4. Highlight your most relevant roles and accomplishments, focusing on those that showcase your ability to lead and drive transformation in education.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your CV and supporting statement are well-formatted and easy to read, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southampton's educational vision and values. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to inclusivity, ambition, and social justice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your successful track record in leading educational improvements, particularly in SEND systems and inclusive practices.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including headteachers and local government. Be ready to discuss how you would foster partnerships to enhance educational outcomes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview. Practice articulating your strategic vision clearly and concisely, ensuring you inspire confidence in your ability to lead and motivate teams.
