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- Tasks: Lead and inspire educational strategies for vulnerable secondary pupils, ensuring impactful learning experiences.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to transforming education for excluded students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a unique learning environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing educational challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status, significant leadership experience, and expertise in special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 71330 - 80655 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RA (Travel may be necessary between Oakfield Secondary Provision sites)
Salary: Leadership 14-19 £71,330 - £80,655 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) (Pay award pending)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 13th May 2026
Interview Date(s): 22nd May 2026
About Us
Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire’s provision for school aged children who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from school. We have expanded the age range of Oakfield School and as a result we are recruiting staff. Our Secondary Inclusion Partnership staff who did put provisions in place for secondary aged children and young people who have been excluded from school, or who are at risk of this, have recently joined the team. Therefore, you will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development, working with us to meet the needs of children and young people between the ages of 11 and 16 who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps.
About the Role
Role Overview: This role is to strategically lead the education design, delivery, and improvement of education delivery and to demonstrate impact, lead the strategy to drive improvement and be accountable for demonstrating impact on pupils progress and educational outcomes for pupils who attend the Secondary Satellite provisions. As such, the role would suit a very experienced senior Leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can inspire others. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy, can intrinsically connect with pupils with complex SEMH needs and who can lead staff in delivering an educational offer that enables them to overcome barriers to education and re‑engage in their educational community with their peers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Inspire: To be responsible for the quality of education delivered at the Secondary Satellites, including all necessary decision making.
- Support Reintegration: To lead and co‑ordinate the curriculum design and delivery provided for secondary age pupils who are excluded or vulnerable and who have special educational needs.
- Accountability: To set high standards of teaching and learning, develop CPD programmes, accountability frameworks, assessment frameworks and monitor pupil progress.
- Promote Inclusion: Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, ensuring all pupils feel valued and supported.
What We Offer
- Unique Learning Environment: Experience a diverse and dynamic workplace where every day is different.
- Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and bespoke training.
- Supportive Team: Join a highly skilled and supportive team of practitioners.
- Make a Difference: Play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people.
- Flexibility: Options for part‑time or full‑time work to suit your lifestyle.
A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must:
- Qualified teacher status and NPQH recent and relevant professional development / training, Designated Safeguarding Training
- Significant experience working with pupils with complex needs and enabling pupils to achieve positive outcomes
- SEN legislation and county SEN policy and procedures
- Several years of senior leadership experience in a Secondary setting and/or specialist setting.
- Experience of leading school improvement and can demonstrate a strong track record of delivering whole school impact.
- Experience of leading research informed curriculum practices
- Experience of responding to national changes within the educational landscape through strategic leadership
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.
Contact Victoria Edwards - Executive Headteacher
Locations: Leicestershire County Council, Glenfield, LE3 8RA, GB
Principal Lead for Education, Standards, Innovation, Progress and Achievement employer: Golearnleicestershire
Contact Detail:
Golearnleicestershire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lead for Education, Standards, Innovation, Progress and Achievement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with inclusion and special educational needs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in education, particularly around SEMH needs and inclusion strategies. We want to see you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for transforming lives through education, so be ready to share your insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or initiatives that made a real impact. We love hearing about how you've inspired others and driven improvement in educational settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lead for Education, Standards, Innovation, Progress and Achievement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can lead and inspire in the context of education, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Empathy: Given the nature of the role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to connect with pupils who have complex needs. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with students facing challenges in the past.
Highlight Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in senior leadership. Be sure to detail your previous roles and the impact you’ve made in those positions, especially in driving school improvement and curriculum design.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Golearnleicestershire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest educational standards and practices, especially those related to SEMH needs. Brush up on Leicestershire County Council's policies and how they align with your vision for education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you inspired others or implemented effective strategies that improved educational outcomes.
✨Connect with Empathy
Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with vulnerable pupils. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with students facing challenges and how you’ve helped them re-engage with their education.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Articulate your understanding of inclusion and how it plays a role in your educational philosophy. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure all pupils feel valued and supported in your leadership role.