Head of Education

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Deadline: 26th March 2026

Who We Are

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites — brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy — we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About This Role

To be responsible and progress all educational matters and welfare of all scholars and players at Crystal Palace Football Club Academy by managing the learning programme in terms of academic work and liaising with internal and external agencies such as Premier League, PFA and supporting academic bodies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club.
• Attend at all formal parent consultations.
• Ensure that the Academy’s educational provision reflects the strategy and performance targets identified in the Club’s Academy Performance Plan.
• Work with the Academy Manager to ensure the Education Programme offers the best educational opportunities to maximise the educational potential of young players.
• Manage and safely store all data related to the Educational progress of young players in line with Data Protection Legislation.
• Liaise and monitor the performance of all Academy players.
• Review educational progress and feedback to parents/carers.
• Liaise with any partner agency involved in the Education of players.
• Manage and organise the UEFA C coaching certificate with the PFA.
• Deliver the Induction to scholars.
• Facilitate the education programme across the phases.
• Provide written reports on educational progress of players.
• Support the release of any player from the Academy alongside the recruitment department.
• Attend all workshops by the PL or other agencies associated with the football club.
• Manage any budget related to the post.
• Provide CPD events for staff.
• Hold inter-departmental meetings.
• Manage a lifestyle programme of activities for young players outside of football.
• Oversee and develop the Hybrid Programme for the U13 – U16 schoolboys including liaising with parents, carers and schools.
• Work directly with the Player Liaison and support with host families and trialists.
• Work closely with the Safeguarding Manager on any issues relating to the Academy.
• Create a ‘Career Fair’ for U16-U19s to be held in October/November each year.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.

Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills And Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Secondary school teaching experience.
• Current FA Safeguarding Certificate.
• Full clean UK Driving License.
• Experience working in a similar role in professional sport or Elite environment (desirable).

Benefits

• Complimentary match day ticket.
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app.
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme.
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores.
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex.
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan.
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days.

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we collect demographic data to monitor our recruitment trends. This information is processed independently of your application and has no influence on selection decisions. You may select ‘prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to disclose this information.