At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Additional Learning Support to ensure high-quality, inclusive education.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across departments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by promoting inclusivity and educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree in SEND-related field and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47972 - 62099 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable and Shuttleworth
Salary: Between £47,972 and £62,099 per annum (DOE and Qualifications)
Expires: 31/05/2026 23:59
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year
About The Role
We are currently seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support to join our Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department at The Bedford College Group.
- Strategic Leadership & SEND Provision: Lead and manage ALS delivery across the College, ensuring high-quality, inclusive support aligned to SEND Code of Practice, Ofsted EIF and College strategic priorities.
- Learner Outcomes & EHCP Delivery: Oversee planning, coordination and review of SEND and EHCP provision, ensuring Section F compliance and driving strong outcomes in achievement, retention, independence and progression.
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement: Implement robust QA processes including observations, audits and performance reviews, using data to drive measurable improvements and ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
- Staff Leadership & Workforce Development: Lead, develop and performance manage ALS staff, ensuring effective recruitment, training, deployment and a consistent culture of high-quality practice.
- Resources, Funding & Partnerships: Manage High Needs funding, budgets and resource allocation, while working collaboratively with curriculum teams, Local Authorities and external partners to enhance provision and learner outcomes.
About You
- Qualifications & SEND Expertise: Degree or equivalent in a SEND-related field with a teaching qualification, underpinned by strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and High Needs funding.
- Leadership, Management & Staff Development: Significant experience leading teams in FE, coaching and developing staff, delivering training and driving improvements in teaching, learning and support practice.
- Teaching, Learning & Inclusive Practice: Extensive experience supporting diverse learner needs, embedding inclusive strategies across provision and promoting participation, independence and achievement.
- Quality Assurance, Data & Compliance: Strong understanding of Ofsted, QA processes and funding compliance, with the ability to analyse data, manage risk and drive continuous improvement in learner outcomes.
- Strategic Leadership, Partnerships & Professional Practice: Collaborative and strategic leader with excellent communication skills, able to work across departments and with external partners, uphold safeguarding, EDI and professional standards, and manage competing priorities effectively.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: 10 June 2026
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford; The Corby Sixth Form (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding Our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post. This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offers of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
Head of Additional Learning Support in Dunstable employer: Central Bedfordshire College
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises teamwork and continuous improvement. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to the educational success of over 15,000 students annually in the vibrant Dunstable area. The organisation values diversity and fosters a caring environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in education.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Additional Learning Support in Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Bedford College Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our culture. Tailor your examples to highlight how you embody teamwork and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in SEND and leadership clearly. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress us when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Additional Learning Support in Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Additional Learning Support role. Highlight your experience with SEND, leadership, and quality assurance to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about education and supporting diverse learners. Share your personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire College
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can also apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in a further education context. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing staff, as well as any successful initiatives you've implemented to improve teaching and learning.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to drive improvements in learner outcomes. Discuss specific instances where your analysis led to measurable changes, and how you ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Share examples of partnerships you've built with local authorities or external partners, and how these collaborations have enhanced provision and learner outcomes.
