Education Lead

Hybrid – delivery across Hartlepool and surrounding areas, with opportunities for flexible and home working. 37.5 hours per week, primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional Saturday working for events. Fixed-term contract until 31st July 2027. £25,000 – £26,000 per annum, dependent on experience (Salary will be pro rata if appointed on a term-time only basis).

About Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation

Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation (HUCSF) is the official charity arm of Hartlepool United FC. We use the power of football and education to create positive change across our community, working closely with schools to improve engagement, attendance, wellbeing, and aspiration for children and young people. As a small, values-led organisation, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit, supportive team, with strong relationships across schools and the local community.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Education Lead to oversee and deliver our expanding education and schools offer. This is a key role within a small, close-knit and supportive staff team, where collaboration, trust, and shared values are central to how we work. The Education Lead will take responsibility for leading the Premier League Primary Stars programme and wider education initiatives, including targeted interventions, workshops, attendance-focused work, and enrichment programmes delivered in partnership with schools.

While this role is supported by grant funding and requires the monitoring of key performance indicators, it is far less results-driven than a traditional school environment. Our focus is not on league tables, inspections, or constant assessment pressure, but on meaningful impact, strong relationships, and positive outcomes for children and families.

Football sits at the heart of everything we do. As the charitable arm of Hartlepool United FC, we use the club as a positive and trusted pillar within the community, opening doors, engaging children who may be disengaged from traditional education, and creating opportunities that would not otherwise exist.

The role also offers a healthier work–life balance than many education settings. Alongside flexible working and opportunities to work from home, staff are able to take annual leave throughout the year and are not restricted to school holiday periods. There is also potential for this role to be offered on a term-time only basis, subject to discussion at interview, providing further flexibility for the right candidate.

This role is ideally suited to a qualified teacher or HLTA, including those looking to step away from the classroom while continuing to use their skills, experience, and passion for education in a rewarding, community-focused role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the planning, delivery, and development of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.
• Lead on the delivery of a cross-curricular scheme of work for primary school pupils taking part in Playing for Success — a programme designed to take children out of the traditional classroom and into the football stadium to inspire learning, engagement, and aspiration.
• Deliver high-quality educational interventions and workshops in primary schools.
• Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with schools, teachers, and senior leaders.
• Deliver an innovative school attendance programme in partnership with schools and key stakeholders.
• Support curriculum-linked, enrichment-based, and alternative education initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on programme impact and outcomes.
• Contribute to the wider education offer of the Foundation, including additional education-linked projects as required.
• Represent Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation professionally at meetings, events, and school visits.
• Provide support across other Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation programmes where required.

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification.
• Experience of working in an educational setting, ideally within primary education.
• Strong understanding of curriculum delivery and pupil engagement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Experience of delivering education programmes outside of the classroom.
• Knowledge or experience of Premier League Primary Stars and/or Playing for Success.
• Experience of attendance, engagement, or intervention-based school-work.
• Understanding of the role of sport in supporting education and wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Salary of £25,000–£26,000, dependent on experience.
• Salary pro rata if appointed on a term-time only basis.
• Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.
• Annual leave that can be taken at any time of year, not limited to school holidays.
• A supportive, close-knit team environment.
• A varied and rewarding role with genuine community impact.
• Hartlepool United FC uniform provided.
• Complimentary tickets to Hartlepool United FC home fixtures.

Safeguarding

Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references prior to appointment.

How to Apply

Please contact keith.nobbs@hartlepoolunited.co.uk to receive an application form and return it by email by Monday 23rd February, 5:00pm.