At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the West Thames campus, ensuring exceptional outcomes for autistic learners.
- Company: Ambitious College is a charity dedicated to empowering autistic young people through specialist education.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional growth, wellbeing support, and generous leave in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in the lives of autistic youth.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational management and a passion for inclusive education are essential.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; we value equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education and a drive to deliver outstanding outcomes for autistic young people? Ambitious College is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Campus to lead our West Thames campus into its next exciting chapter.
About Us
Ambitious College is part of Ambitious About Autism, a national charity committed to making the ordinary possible for children and young people with autism. Our college provides specialist education for learners aged 16β25, empowering them to achieve their goals and thrive in adult life.
The Role
As Head of Campus, you will:
- Be accountable for the leadership and management of the West Thames campus, ensuring exceptional outcomes for all learners.
- Be a key member of the College Leadership Team, supporting the Head of College in shaping and delivering strategic objectives that drive growth, innovation, and sustainability.
- Ensure the campus meets and evidences all regulatory and compliance requirements, maintaining the highest standards of quality and safeguarding.
- Lead the development and implementation of effective systems, processes, and policies to ensure operational excellence.
- Provide accurate and insightful reporting tailored to a range of stakeholders, supporting data-driven decision-making.
What We're Looking For
Weβre seeking a leader who is:
- Passionate about inclusive education and committed to improving outcomes for young people with autism.
- Experienced in managing educational provision, ideally within a specialist or further education setting.
- Skilled in strategic planning, operational management, and regulatory compliance.
- A confident communicator with the ability to inspire teams and build strong partnerships.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real difference. Work in a supportive, collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth. Access to a comprehensive benefits package, including training, wellbeing, support, and generous leave.
Ready to lead with purpose? Apply now and help shape a future where every autistic young person can thrive.
Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025
Shortlisting Date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Interview date: Wednesday 9th July 2025 (Meet the senior leads via Teams Monday 7th / Tuesday 8th)
Start Date: September 2025
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.
Contact Detail:
Ambitious about Autism Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Campus- West Thames
β¨Tip Number 1
Research Ambitious College and its mission thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to inclusive education and the specific needs of autistic young people will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Ambitious College. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the campus culture and expectations, which can be beneficial in interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic planning and operational management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved educational outcomes in previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to the role. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these aspects will demonstrate your readiness to uphold the highest standards at the West Thames campus.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Campus- West Thames
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Campus position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in inclusive education and leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for inclusive education and your commitment to improving outcomes for autistic young people. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills in strategic planning and operational management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in managing educational provisions, particularly within specialist or further education settings. Include any achievements that reflect your ability to lead teams and drive innovation.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it's essential to convey your ability to inspire teams and build partnerships. Consider including examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders or led initiatives that required strong communication.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
β¨Show Your Passion for Inclusive Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for inclusive education during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for autistic young people, as this aligns closely with the values of Ambitious College.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they have equipped you to manage a campus effectively. Highlight specific examples where you led teams to achieve exceptional outcomes, particularly in educational settings.
β¨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since the role involves strategic planning, be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and implementing effective systems and processes. Think about how you would drive growth and innovation at the West Thames campus and be ready to share your ideas.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a confident communicator, it's essential to articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview. Practice discussing complex topics in a straightforward manner, as you'll need to inspire teams and build partnerships within the college.