Curriculum Lead - Landbased

The Curriculum Lead will support the Land-based Director in delivering high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes across Higher Education and Equine provision, managing approximately 10 staff. The role provides day-to-day curriculum and operational leadership, including planning, quality assurance, staff development, compliance, and continuous improvement aligned with Activate Learning’s Learning Philosophy.

The postholder will ensure high standards of teaching, assessment, student experience, progression, and employability. They will lead and develop staff to improve performance, attendance, retention, and achievement, using data to drive student progress. Responsibilities include timetabling, coaching, mentoring, and monitoring compliance. The role requires a visible presence across teams, building strong relationships with students, staff, employers, and partners, and supporting recruitment, employer engagement, and curriculum development. They will promote continuous improvement through observations, learning walks, 1:1s, and staff development activities.

Within Higher Education, the Curriculum Lead will support programme management and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with awarding bodies and university partners, and contributing to boards, moderation, and monitoring processes.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the role may include up to a 0.5 teaching commitment within the relevant curriculum area, appropriate to the operational requirements of the provision and the leadership responsibilities of the role. This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours per week based at Merrist Wood College.

Key Qualifications

• Be an inspirational teacher, with a teaching qualification, and a track record of planning and delivering good/outstanding teaching and learning to deliver an outstanding student experience and outcomes above benchmark.
• Possess highly developed practitioner skills that demonstrate leading-edge practice in the delivery of teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate an inspiring and authentic leadership style, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to lead, manage and influence staff to achieve effective outcomes.
• Have a strong belief in the Learning Philosophy-led culture which puts learners and learning at the heart of the organisation, evidenced through their attributes, behaviours, and track record.
• Have experience of supporting curriculum quality, compliance, operational coordination, and staff development within Further and/or Higher Education provision.

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 AL staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• 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.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. 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 an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.