Assistant Head of Programmes - Staffordshire Woodlands

Location: Stafford, Staffordshire

Salary: 40,000 FTE (33,231 Actual Salary)

Contract: Permanent, 37.5 Hours per Week, Term Time Only (39 Weeks)

Lead Learning Beyond the Classroom

Are you an experienced teacher or aspiring education leader looking for a role that's a little different? This is a rare opportunity to join a specialist Post-16 education provider based within a unique woodland and environmental setting in Stafford. Supporting neurodivergent young people aged 16-24 with SEND and EHCPs, you'll play a key role in delivering highly personalised learning programmes that combine outdoor learning, environmental education, conservation, employability and preparation for adulthood.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and believe some of the best learning happens beyond the traditional classroom, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Opportunity

As Assistant Head of Programmes, you'll support the Head of Programmes in leading a specialist education provision, ensuring outstanding teaching, learning and student outcomes. You'll work closely with teaching staff to maintain high standards across curriculum delivery, safeguarding, EHCP provision, quality assurance and learner progress, while helping to create an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress into senior leadership within specialist education, Further Education or SEND.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day leadership of the campus and wider curriculum provision.
• Lead and inspire staff to deliver outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.
• Support quality assurance, curriculum planning and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor learner progress and ensure high-quality EHCP delivery.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and positive learner outcomes.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and professional guidance.
• Build positive relationships with learners, families, local authorities and external professionals.
• Help develop innovative programmes centred around outdoor learning, environmental education and preparation for adulthood.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the campus.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, QTS, QTLS or equivalent).
• Experience working with young people with SEND and EHCPs.
• A background within Further Education, specialist education, Post-16 provision or alternative provision.
• Experience leading or supporting educational teams.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and the SEND Code of Practice.
• A genuine passion for inclusive education and improving outcomes for young people.
• Experience in outdoor learning, environmental education, Forest School, horticulture, countryside management or land-based education would be highly advantageous, although not essential.

Why Apply?

This isn't your typical education leadership role. You'll work within a unique woodland campus where learning extends beyond four walls, helping young people develop confidence, independence and employability through meaningful, real-world experiences.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• Permanent, term-time only contract (39 weeks per year).
• Actual salary of 33,231 (40,000 FTE).
• A unique woodland and environmental learning environment.
• Excellent opportunities for leadership development and career progression.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of neurodivergent young people.

Because education matters. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.