Head of Initial Teacher Education

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership within the department focusing on Initial Teacher Education (PGCE QTS and non‑QTS programmes).
• Implement a clear strategy for PGCE provision and stay up to date with all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Administer and manage ITE bursaries in line with Department for Education guidance, ensuring compliance with the ITE Bursary Funding Manual and related documentation; oversee accurate allocation, monitoring, and reporting of bursary payments.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools and external organisations.
• Work closely with programme leaders and tutors to develop self‑evaluation documents; communicate key priority areas clearly to colleagues.
• Ensure targets for recruitment, retention, student experience, and satisfaction are met across all PGCE programmes.
• Develop systems to compile and analyse profile data, identify trends, and put in place appropriate strategies and interventions.
• Update the Partnership Agreement in collaboration with relevant teams at Goldsmiths; ensure compliance with ITT standards and institutional legal and procurement requirements.
• Create Service Level Agreements for PGCE Non‑QTS provision and ensure they are signed before the start of term; negotiate changes to financing models with SCITT programme leaders where needed.
• Maintain systems supporting student experience and progression; evaluate these systems regularly and support tutors in addressing student concerns.
• Liaise with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies as required; ensure programmes are compliant and ready for inspection and review.
• Oversee curriculum in Primary and Secondary programmes, ensuring alignment with module specifications and Core Content Framework entitlements.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required and work in line with Goldsmiths regulations, strategy, and objectives.
• Contribute to advancing equality and diversity and maintain a safe working environment at all times, participating in training as required and following health and safety policies.

Qualifications

• A relevant Honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England (or equivalent), an advanced degree or equivalent advanced professional qualification, or significant equivalent experience of advanced professional practice.
• Extensive knowledge of ITE policy and practice, with the ability to develop and lead institutional strategic responses to the evolving ITE landscape.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the governance and regulatory frameworks for ITE and the ability to lead on all aspects of compliance and inspection, including Teachers' Standards, the Core Content, and Early Career Frameworks.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the internal systems and processes underpinning effective and innovative pedagogical approaches in ITE.
• Extensive knowledge of research‑informed, evidence‑based practice in ITE, with the ability to translate this into policy and practice development.

Experience

• Significant experience working as part of university‑based teacher education programmes.
• Successful strategic management experience, including leading I programmes and teams over a sustained period.
• Experience delivering ITE strategic targets and designing and delivering responsive measures where appropriate.
• Experience in self‑evaluation and improvement planning activities.
• Experience in pro‑active operational management of resources.
• Experience managing academic performance and professional growth of a team.
• Experience with the systems and processes underpinning student progression and the application of relevant regulations consistently.
• Extensive expertise in teaching and leading modules delivered both on campus and remotely.
• Experience mentoring and supporting the development of colleagues.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to adapt to meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders and to establish effective working relationships with colleagues internally and across the university.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in using a range of technology to support teaching, learning, and communication.
• Understanding of how data can be used to support programme development.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice in all duties, interactions, and behaviours.

Diversity and inclusion

We are keen to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating an inclusive culture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Working in Zone 2 with excellent transport links and interest‑free travel‑to‑work loans.
• Excellent annual leave entitlement plus additional closure days at Christmas and Easter.
• Three days of volunteering leave per annum, plus parental and study leave allowance.
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave and pay.
• Membership of USS or LPFA pension scheme, dependent upon grade.
• Contractual sick pay provision.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 support and confidential advice.
• Free eye tests.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Wellbeing initiatives including chaplaincy and staff choir.
• On‑site dining facilities.
• Access to University of London facilities such as Senate House Library.
• Membership of Staff Diversity Networks: (Dis)Ability, Goldsmiths Race Equality Group, LGBTQ+, Menopause, Parents and Carers, Women at Goldsmiths.