Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative vocational pathways for autistic young people.
- Company: St John's College, an award-winning autism-specific college.
- Benefits: Join a supportive leadership team and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower autistic youth to gain work skills and confidence for adulthood.
- Qualifications: Experience in vocational education and a passion for inclusive practice.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple locations in Brighton and Sussex.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16–25. We are now seeking an inspiring and strategic Assistant Principal – Vocational Learning to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).
As Assistant Principal – Vocational Learning, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the future of our vocational provision across the college. You will lead the development of high-quality, innovative vocational pathways that empower autistic young people to progress into employment and adulthood with confidence.
A key focus of the role will be the development and expansion of Supported Internships and social enterprises. These programmes follow the DFN Project SEARCH model, a globally recognised framework that supports young people with autism to gain valuable work skills and meaningful workplace experience.
This role can be based at any of our locations, depending on operational need, and will involve working collaboratively across multiple sites in Brighton and Sussex.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and lead a high-quality vocational learning offer, with a strong focus on Supported Internships and social enterprises.
- Provide strategic oversight for the expansion and sustainability of supported internships and future vocational initiatives.
- Lead the vocational elements of the college curriculum, including pre-supported internship pathways.
- Manage, support, and mentor vocational learning staff, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and resources to excel.
- Work collaboratively across geographically dispersed teams to ensure consistency, quality, and impact in vocational provision.
Why Join St John's College?
- Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success.
- Make a genuine, lasting difference to the lives of autistic young people.
If you are an experienced and passionate leader with a strong background in vocational education and a commitment to inclusive practice, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.
Closing Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Shortlisting Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations.
We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning in Brighton employer: Ambitious about Autism
Contact Detail:
Ambitious about Autism Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with vocational learning. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting autistic young people. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the college! Familiarise yourself with St John's College's values and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at St John's College.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for vocational learning and supporting autistic young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning. Highlight your relevant experience in vocational education and any innovative programmes you've developed. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Online: Remember, we only consider applications submitted through our recruitment portal. So, make sure to apply online! It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
✨Know Your Vocational Learning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in vocational education, especially those that relate to autism. Familiarise yourself with the DFN Project SEARCH model and be ready to discuss how you can implement and expand these initiatives at St John's College.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in vocational settings. Think about times when you've mentored staff or developed innovative programmes that made a real difference. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working across multiple sites, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you've worked with diverse teams to achieve common goals, ensuring consistency and quality in vocational provision.
✨Be Passionate About Inclusion
St John's College values diversity and inclusion, so express your commitment to these principles. Discuss how you've created inclusive learning environments in the past and how you plan to ensure that all autistic young people feel empowered and supported in their vocational journeys.
