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- Tasks: Lead the development and scaling of impactful education programmes to close the attainment gap.
- Company: Join the Education Endowment Foundation, a charity transforming education through evidence-based practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days holiday, life insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a collaborative, high-performing culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior education roles and project delivery, with strong leadership and evaluation skills.
- Other info: This is an 11-month maternity cover role with potential for secondment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Head of Programme Development & Scale-up (11 month maternity cover, secondment considered)
Job Reference
PDS090725
Location
London Office (Hybrid)
Function
Status
Full Time
Job Type
Fixed Term Contract
40 hours per week including a one hour lunch break
Head of Programme Development & Scale-up (11 month maternity cover, secondment considered)
Central London (with hybrid working)
About Us
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
We do this by supporting schools, colleges, and nurseries to improve teaching and learning through better use of evidence. We generate research evidence on effective practice in supporting learning outcomes and narrowing the socioeconomic attainment gap, and we work with education professionals to ensure this evidence is applied to achieve the maximum possible benefit for children and young people.
The EEF’s reach and impact has been tremendous: the English education system is now one of the most evidence-informed in the world. Over half of state primary and secondary schools have taken part in an EEF-funded trial, and 70% of all school leaders use the Teaching and Learning Toolkit to inform their decision-making.
We are now looking for a Head of Programme Development & Scale-up to join us on a full-time basis, for an 11-month fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave (with an ideal start date 27th October 2025), with secondments considered.
The Benefits
– Salary of ÂŁ72,250 per annum
– Flexible start and end working times (core hours between 10am and 4pm)
– Flexible working opportunities
– 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays including 3 which can be taken flexibly)
– 2 festive season closure days
– 6% employer pension contributions, minimum 3% employee contribution
– Life insurance cover
– Interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme
– Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave pay (conditions apply)
– Confidential Employee Assistance Programme to help you deal with any personal and professional problems
This is an inspiring opportunity for a leader with strong programme design and evaluation experience to join our evidence-led and mission-driven organisation.
You’ll have the chance to lead the development and scale-up of some of the UK’s most promising education interventions, making a measurable difference in the lives of children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
What’s more, with hybrid working, generous benefits, and a high-performing, collaborative culture, you’ll be empowered to shape strategy, guide innovation, and strengthen the sector’s ability to use research and evidence for lasting educational impact.
The Role
As our Head of Programme Development & Scale-up, you will drive the development, evaluation, and strategic scaling of evidence-informed education programmes that help close the attainment gap.
Leading a cross-functional team, you will oversee a portfolio of early-stage programme development and pilot evaluations, ensuring alignment with our research agenda and wider organisational goals.
You’ll guide the selection and structuring of promising interventions, oversee risk and quality management, and co-ordinate with other teams to support strong programme design and impactful research.
Additionally, you will:
– Manage and mentor a team of Programme and Evaluation Managers
– Oversee high-profile scale-up initiatives, including reporting and co-funding opportunities
– Lead the design of new project phases
– Contribute to the senior management team
– Represent us in national and international networks focused on evidence-based education
About You
To be considered as our Head of Programme Development & Scale-up, you will need:
– Substantial experience working in a senior education related role
– Extensive experience delivering or commissioning multiple projects in education or a related field
– A track record of delivery on collaborative projects requiring multi-disciplinary teams to deliver to timelines
– Strong knowledge of evaluation methods and theory of change design
– The ability to lead, motivate and manage a high-performing team
– A strong understanding of the education landscape
– An understanding of the evidence around strong programme design
– Familiarity with quantitative impact evaluation methods
All EEF staff are subject to a check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).The level shall be a “Basic” level check.
Application Close: 28th July 2025
First Round Interviews: 6th August 2025
Second Round Interviews: 13th August 2025
Other organisations may call this role Programme Development Lead, Strategic Programme Development Lead, Head of Programme Design, Senior Programme Strategy and Evaluation Lead, or Head of Education Programme Development.
Webrecruit and the Education Endowment Foundation are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you’re looking for an impactful role as a Head of Programme Development & Scale-up, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
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Head of Programme Development & Scale-up (11 month maternity cover, secondment considered) employer: Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
Contact Detail:
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Development & Scale-up (11 month maternity cover, secondment considered)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Education Endowment Foundation's (EEF) current projects and initiatives. Understanding their mission and the specific programmes they support will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in programme development and evaluation. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing cross-functional teams. Highlighting specific examples of successful project delivery and team motivation will demonstrate your capability for this senior role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and research in education, particularly around evidence-based practices. Being knowledgeable about current methodologies will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Development & Scale-up (11 month maternity cover, secondment considered)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Programme Development & Scale-up position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the Education Endowment Foundation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the education landscape and your experience in programme design and evaluation. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your substantial experience in senior education roles and your track record of delivering collaborative projects. Make sure to include any relevant metrics or outcomes that showcase your impact in previous positions.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Look for any grammatical errors, typos, or unclear phrasing. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Education Endowment Foundation's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in breaking the link between family income and educational achievement, as this will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Programme Development Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in programme development and evaluation. Highlight any successful projects you've led, particularly those that involved collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Programme Development & Scale-up, you'll need to lead and motivate a team. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Evaluation Methods
Since the role requires a strong understanding of evaluation methods and theory of change design, brush up on these concepts. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these methods in previous roles and how they can be used to measure the impact of educational programmes.
