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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school admissions, transport, music services, and SEND investment in a growing borough.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, a dynamic place with rising pupil numbers and exciting developments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a high-calibre team in a borough with significant momentum and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the educational landscape and make a real difference in a thriving community.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education or local government with strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Bedford Borough is growing. Bucking national trends, pupil numbers are rising, and with Universal Studios coming to the region, Bedford is one of the most dynamic places in England to live and invest. This is the context in which we are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Service for School Organisation.
You will lead a high‑performing portfolio spanning school admissions, school transport, our music service, the schools capital programme, and SEND sufficiency and capital investment to meet the Council's obligations under national SEND reforms. You will be an experienced senior leader with a track record in education, local government or a closely related field. You will bring strong financial management skills, sound knowledge of the relevant legislative landscape, and the ability to translate strategic ambition into operational delivery. A visible, values-driven leadership style is essential.
Bedford's schools system has seen significant improvement, and our SEND services achieved a Grade 1 inspection in 2024. You will work alongside a high-calibre leadership team in a Borough with real momentum. For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to shape the educational landscape of a growing Borough for years to come.
How To Apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.
Closing Date 24th May 2026
Interview Date 4th June 2026
Please Note a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving) a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical.
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship
Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Head of Service for School Organisation in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Bedford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service for School Organisation in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education and local government. Attend events or webinars related to school organisation and SEND services. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Bedford Borough's recent achievements, especially in SEND services. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their values-driven approach and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your financial management skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or resources in previous roles. This is crucial for the Head of Service position, so make it a key part of your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV highlights your experience in education and local government, and don’t forget to answer those application questions thoughtfully.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service for School Organisation in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Service for School Organisation role. Highlight your experience in education and local government, and don’t forget to showcase your financial management skills and leadership style!
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When you get to the application questions, take a moment to think about your answers. Even though they’re yes/no, it’s a chance to reflect on how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your thought process!
Showcase Your Achievements: Use your CV to showcase your achievements, especially those that relate to SEND services or school improvement. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of school organisation, especially around admissions, transport, and SEND reforms. Brush up on Bedford Borough's recent achievements and challenges to show you’re genuinely interested and informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with a values-driven style. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in education or local government, to demonstrate your capability.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since strong financial management skills are crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and resource allocation. Bring specific examples of how you’ve managed finances effectively in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the future of Bedford’s educational landscape. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.