At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a portfolio of specialist colleges to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
- Company: Leading specialist education provider with a focus on quality and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and national travel opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving outcomes for learners with additional needs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector and shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in Further Education and a strong understanding of Ofsted standards.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
Head of Colleges
Salary
£80,000 – £85,000 + Mileage + £3,000 Car Allowance
Location
Multi-site | National Travel Required
The Opportunity
Compass Associates are working with a leading specialist education provider to appoint a Head of Colleges to oversee a portfolio of specialist further education provisions across England.
This is a strategic leadership opportunity, reporting into the Divisional Director of Education and forming part of the Education Senior Leadership Team.
The successful candidate will provide leadership across multiple college sites, supporting College Principals whilst driving educational standards, quality assurance and continuous improvement across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of specialist colleges.
- Line manage and support College Principals to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
- Drive improvements in teaching, learning, assessment and learner progression.
- Lead quality assurance, self-assessment and continuous improvement across all sites.
- Support colleges through Ofsted inspections, ensuring high standards of compliance and educational practice.
- Use performance data to identify trends and implement improvement strategies.
- Work collaboratively with operational, safeguarding and therapeutic teams to ensure a joined-up learner experience.
- Contribute to the wider education strategy as part of the senior leadership team.
- Build strong relationships with external stakeholders including Local Authorities, commissioners and regulatory bodies.
- Promote a culture of high expectations, collaboration and professional development.
About You
To be considered for this opportunity you will have
- Significant senior leadership experience within Further Education and specialist education.
- Experience managing multiple education settings or leading senior leaders across a geographically dispersed portfolio.
- A strong understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
- A proven track record of driving quality improvement and improving educational outcomes.
- Experience leading through inspection and embedding high-quality educational practice.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to influence operational delivery.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for learners with additional needs.
Essential Qualifications
- PGCE or equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
Desirable
- NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification.
- SENCO qualification.
Package
- £3,000 annual car allowance.
- Business mileage paid.
- National multi-site leadership role with genuine strategic influence.
- Opportunity to shape and develop a growing specialist education portfolio.
Contact Details
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn at 02394211147 or
Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.
Head of Specialist Colleges in England employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Wokingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming healthcare operations. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialist Colleges in England
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Compass Associates just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Compass Associates. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialist Colleges in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Head of Specialist Colleges role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Compass Associates, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Compass Associates, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Compass Associates, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
