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- Tasks: Lead and develop youth education programmes for 16-19 year olds, ensuring high-quality learning experiences.
- Company: Join a top-rated training provider focused on transforming lives through education across the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape inclusive education that empowers young people to succeed in their careers and further studies.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised teaching qualification and experience in leading funded education provision.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate leadership team dedicated to closing the NEET gap and addressing skills shortages.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Youth Education Programmes to lead the strategic development, delivery and quality of our 16–19 vocational and academic provision. This is a vital leadership position within a leading Ofsted Grade 2 provider at the forefront of education and skills delivery for both young people and adults across the North West. The successful candidate will join a passionate, committed senior leadership team working collaboratively to shape inclusive, employer-responsive education that transforms lives.
You will oversee a diverse curriculum across sectors such as retail, logistics, construction, trades, health and social care, leisure, and digital industries, ensuring high-quality study programmes that equip young people with the skills and confidence to progress into work, apprenticeships or further study.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across the 16–19 youth education portfolio, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and learner experience.
- Line manage curriculum and teaching staff, driving performance and professional growth.
- Lead curriculum planning and development, ensuring programmes are engaging, inclusive and aligned with regional skills needs.
- Maintain high levels of learner retention, achievement, attendance and progression.
- Work closely with employers to ensure industry-informed curriculum and real-world learning opportunities.
- Implement effective quality assurance, learner tracking and performance monitoring systems.
- Contribute to organisational self-assessment and readiness for external inspection and audits.
- Support student recruitment, induction and progression planning.
- Promote safeguarding and wellbeing across all programmes, embedding inclusive practice.
Person Specification
Essential:
- A recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, CertEd, or equivalent).
- Significant experience leading 16–19 funded education provision.
- Proven ability to manage teams, drive improvement, and deliver strong learner outcomes.
- Sound knowledge of Study Programmes and wider post-16 education frameworks.
- Strategic thinking and strong leadership skills.
- Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- A deep commitment to inclusive, learner-focused education.
Desirable:
- Multi-sector delivery experience across vocational subject areas.
- Understanding of Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provision and compliance requirements.
- Up-to-date knowledge of Foundation Apprenticeship pathways and pilots.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspection processes and quality assurance frameworks.
- Experience developing employer partnerships for curriculum planning and delivery.
We are a high-performing, community-focused training provider recognised for delivering high-quality learning that meets both individual and regional workforce needs. As a leading Ofsted Grade 2 provider, we offer innovative, responsive programmes that support young people and adults across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire. We work collaboratively with employers, local authorities, and communities to create progression pathways that close the NEET gap, address skills shortages, and raise aspirations. As part of our senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping our future provision and impact.
If you’re ready to lead transformational education for young people and be part of a values-driven leadership team, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Youth Education Programmes employer: Coyne Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Coyne Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Youth Education Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in youth programmes. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and employers who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in youth education, particularly in the 16-19 age group. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to lead effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with curriculum development and how you've successfully engaged with employers in the past. Highlight specific examples that showcase your ability to create inclusive and responsive educational programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our organisation's values and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your vision aligns with ours will show your commitment and understanding of our mission, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Youth Education Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in leading 16-19 education programmes. Emphasise your teaching qualifications, management skills, and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for youth education and your strategic vision for the role. Address how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed, particularly in curriculum development and stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Leadership Experience: In your application, focus on your leadership roles and how you've driven improvement in educational settings. Provide examples of how you've managed teams and enhanced learner outcomes.
Showcase Commitment to Inclusivity: Demonstrate your commitment to inclusive education by providing examples of how you've implemented inclusive practices in previous roles. This is crucial for the position and will resonate well with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coyne Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Youth Education Programmes, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed teams and driven improvements in educational settings.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Employers will be looking for your ability to think strategically about curriculum development and learner engagement. Prepare to share your vision for inclusive education and how you would align programmes with regional skills needs.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Since the role involves working closely with employers, come equipped with examples of how you've developed partnerships in the past. Discuss how these collaborations have enhanced curriculum planning and provided real-world learning opportunities for students.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Inclusivity
A deep commitment to inclusive education is essential for this role. Be ready to talk about your experiences promoting safeguarding and wellbeing in educational settings, and how you plan to embed inclusive practices across all programmes.
