This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
- Job Title: Assistant Head
- Job Location: The Virtual School
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 14/02/2025
- Job Requisition Number: 10757
- This post is not open to job share.
About the Role
The Virtual School is looking to recruit following the retirement of one of their senior leaders. We are looking for an Assistant Head to lead our service with Post 16 education and support the children in care who are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
This exciting opportunity will mean that the successful candidate will join a team of education professionals that support children in the care of Gloucestershire and other children previously in care and those known to Gloucestershire and who have a social worker.
The Virtual School team are based in Gloucester but work closely with schools, settings and training providers that support our children and young people\'s education and learning. We are ambitious for our young people and want them to have the very best opportunities possible. We work closely with many partners and the successful candidate will be someone who enjoys teamwork.
About You
We are looking for someone who wants to support and make a difference with the education for disadvantaged young people and will work with a child-centred approach for all the young people we support.
In return we will offer you:
- Regular formal and informal support.
- Safe, supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision.
- Access to relevant training and career progression.
- Annual leave of 25.5 days (pro rata) up to 30.5 days (pro rata) after 5 years employment.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Staff discount scheme that offers access to great savings including discounts with major supermarket chains and high street retailers.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network.
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&C\'s apply).
For an informal discussion please contact Jane Featherstone at 01452 328371 or jane.featherstone@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Additional Information
This Position is subject to a DBS check.
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
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Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head in Gloucester
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Gloucestershire County Council just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Gloucestershire County Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Assistant Head role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Gloucestershire County Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Gloucestershire County Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Gloucestershire County Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
