At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support students with learning disabilities in achieving their potential.
- Company: Lifeworks College, empowering individuals with learning disabilities since 1996.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to kindness, respect, and positivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with leadership experience in Further Education and expertise in SEN.
The predicted salary is between 37200 - 38700 £ per year.
Salary: L1 £43,260 – L3 £45,963
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (50 days’ annual leave per annum)
We are seeking a dedicated and operational Vice Principal to join our leadership team. Working alongside the Charity CEO & College Principal, you will be instrumental in shaping the vision of the College, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring every student achieves their full potential. This is a unique opportunity for a leader who thrives on pastoral care, safeguarding, and operational management within a specialist setting. You will champion the needs of our students, ensuring they are supported from their transition from school right through to adulthood.
Key Responsibilities- Operational & Pastoral Leadership: Take full responsibility for the development and management of Pastoral and Tutorial programmes, ensuring a safe environment where students thrive. Lead the day-to-day operations of the college, ensuring high-quality service delivery. Manage the transition of students—both responding to prospective student assessments and managing transitions out of FE into adulthood. Line manage College Tutors and lead regular team meetings to foster an open, positive culture.
- Safeguarding & SEND: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the College and contribute to the Charity Safeguarding Forum. Serve as the College SEN Coordinator, maintaining ownership of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Act as the primary link to 0-25 Local Authority SEND teams, ensuring all statutory paperwork and reviews are completed timely.
- Quality & Strategy: Support the CEO & Principal in shaping the curriculum, staff development, and the college’s strategic direction. Ensure compliance with Ofsted, ESFA, and Local Authority requirements, including leading on the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plans. Deputise for the CEO & College Principal in her absence. Identify risks and implement control measures to ensure health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Who we are
Since 1996, we’ve been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do. Lifeworks College is a small FE provision based in Dartington (near Totnes). We have a small group of students, and our staff are focused on delivering personalised and tailored education to 16-24-year-olds with learning disabilities.
Working hours
The hours for this role are 37.5 hours per week over 5 days, 52 weeks per year. You will receive 50 days’ (10 weeks) leave per annum to be taken outside of term time. Please note that there will be a requirement to take part in activities outside of your regular working hours, such as residential trips, DofE, or parents’ evenings.
What we’re looking for
- Qualified Professional: A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with a degree in Education.
- Sector Leadership: A proven record of outstanding leadership and management within Further Education, with experience in raising quality standards and achieving inspirational student outcomes.
- SEN Expertise: Significant experience working with young people or adults with learning disabilities (e.g., autism), combined with a deep understanding of safeguarding specific to vulnerable adults.
- Regulatory Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the Ofsted regulatory framework for specialist colleges, alongside knowledge of Post-16 education drivers.
- Strategic Vision: The ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and an ambitious vision, coupled with the confidence to make clear, well-judged decisions.
- Stakeholder Management: Experience building and managing effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including commissioners, local authorities, funders, and families.
- People Management: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams to secure continuous professional development.
- Communication & Values: A passionate belief in equal opportunities, supported by excellent verbal, written, and IT communication skills.
Building a diverse and safe team
At Lifeworks, we’re committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview. However, ensuring a safe environment for everyone we support is our top priority. Therefore, all staff undergo pre-employment checks, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS check.
Selection
The closing date for applications is Thursday 8th January. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th January and Friday 16th January so please ensure you are available on these dates.
College Vice Principal / Deputy Head of College employer: FE Week
Lifeworks College is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities in a supportive and nurturing environment. Located in the picturesque Dartington, our small team fosters a culture of kindness, respect, and positivity, offering extensive professional development opportunities and a generous 50 days of annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive workplace that values diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land College Vice Principal / Deputy Head of College
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Lifeworks. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Lifeworks College and its values. Show us how your vision aligns with our mission of empowering individuals with learning disabilities. We love candidates who resonate with our core values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and safeguarding. We want to see your passion for pastoral care and operational management shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Lifeworks.
We think you need these skills to ace College Vice Principal / Deputy Head of College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Vice Principal role. Highlight your experience in pastoral care and operational management, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and driven improvements in previous roles. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage staff effectively, especially in a further education setting.
Emphasise Your SEN Expertise:Given the focus on supporting students with learning disabilities, it’s crucial to highlight your experience in this area. Talk about your understanding of safeguarding and how you've supported vulnerable adults in the past.
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 fantastic opportunity at Lifeworks College.
How to prepare for a job interview at FE Week
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of pastoral care, safeguarding, and operational management. Being able to discuss how you’ve successfully managed similar challenges in the past will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you motivate teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team to success or improved student outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic vision and how you can contribute to the college’s goals.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Lifeworks College’s core values of kindness, respect, and positivity. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to show that you align with their mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their approach to student transitions or how they measure success in their pastoral programmes. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and the college.
