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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver inclusive education for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking college dedicated to empowering students and fostering collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of SEND legislation required.
An exciting new opportunity has arisen for an experienced and values-driven leader to join the Senior Management Team as a Head of School in Skills for Life. This is a key leadership role within our further education provision, supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The successful candidate will inspire and motivate teams to deliver high-quality, inclusive education that enables students to develop essential life, employability and independence skills.
As Head of School, you will have strategic and operational oversight of teaching, learning and curriculum delivery across the Skills for Life provision. You will lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the curriculum is responsive to learners' needs, aligned with EHCP outcomes, and compliant with funding and regulatory requirements. You will bring strong leadership capability, a clear inclusive vision, and a deep understanding of SEND within further education. You will play a key role in shaping provision, developing staff, embedding best practice and ensuring robust systems around EHCP implementation, funding compliance, and quality assurance. A thorough knowledge of EHCP processes, SEND legislation, and education funding models is essential for this role.
The role requires a leader who can inspire, influence and motivate colleagues, foster a culture of collaboration, and champion inclusive education at a senior level. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the College and work collaboratively with colleagues across curriculum, support services and external agencies to deliver exceptional outcomes for learners. You will have the full support of a dynamic team and opportunities to bring your ideas to the role. Training and development are at the heart of everything we do so you will be actively encouraged to upskill. You can access a wide range of discounts and benefits including a cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, pension, generous holiday scheme, time off at Christmas and early finishes on a Friday.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
To lead and manage the School, in line with our Strategic Plan and policies. To provide effective organisation and management of staff to ensure that students studying within the School have a high quality learning experience. The post holder will be responsible for the management of the learning programmes and the staff, finances and learning resources allocated to the School.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Management
- Develop the work of the School within the context of our policy and strategic plans, to meet the needs of learners, employers and the community.
- As part of the senior management team, contribute to the development and successful implementation of the curriculum plans.
- Prepare and successfully deliver an annual development plan for the School, which supports our mission, objectives and core values.
- Lead, manage and direct the staff of the School to ensure a high standard of teaching and learning on all the School's programmes.
- Monitor and develop the quality and effectiveness of teaching and standards of performance within the school in line with our policies.
- Lead the development and implementation of teaching strategies geared to the development of high quality, active learning opportunities for students.
Students
- Oversee the arrangements for the selection and admission of students to courses, in conjunction with Learner Services.
- Ensure that all students on the School's courses receive the full range of support to which they are entitled, including induction, tutorial support, enrichment and additional learning support, in accordance with our policy and individual student need.
- Oversee and regularly monitor the progress and conduct of students on courses in the School.
Courses
- Develop, with the Director of Curriculum the course portfolio of the School.
- Ensure that the School's courses operate within the requirements of curriculum assessment and examination regulations and in accordance with our policies.
- Work collaboratively with other Heads of School in relation to planning, timetabling and staffing of joint courses.
- Plan, implement and monitor course timetables.
- Monitor syllabuses and schemes of work to ensure they are appropriate and up-to date.
- Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 17th May 2026. Connect2Employment is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Employment is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Head of School - Skills for Life in Luton employer: Connect2Employment
Contact Detail:
Connect2Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Skills for Life in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially in terms of inclusive education and supporting learners with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven improvements in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our Senior Management Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Skills for Life in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for inclusive education shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate teams to deliver high-quality learning experiences for students with SEND.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Make sure to showcase your leadership skills and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive continuous improvement and foster a collaborative culture, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Specific About Your Knowledge of SEND: Since this role requires a deep understanding of SEND legislation and EHCP processes, be clear about your knowledge and experience in these areas. We want to know how you’ve applied this understanding to shape educational provision.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Employment
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation and processes. Being able to discuss how you’ve implemented EHCPs in previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but also the practical application.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you fostered collaboration or drove continuous improvement. This will help demonstrate your leadership capability and vision for inclusive education.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the organisation’s mission and core values. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding inclusive education and community engagement. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their strategic plans for the Skills for Life provision or how they measure success in student outcomes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.