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- Tasks: Lead a team to support secondary pupils with complex needs and ensure high educational standards.
- Company: New River College, an inclusive environment dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students facing challenges and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading alternative provision and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 74479 - 82888 £ per year.
About the role:
Co-Head of Centre, Grade L10, salary £74,479‐£82,888, Permanent, Required for April 2026. New River College Secondary, inclusive, supporting pupils with complex needs. The postholder will lead the secondary alternative provision, manage a team of teachers and support staff, implement policies, oversee evaluation and curriculum delivery, ensure high standards for pupils with EHC plans, exclusions, or SEMH challenges. Support external professionals (CAMHS, EPS, Family Support) and oversee their work.
Responsibilities
- Lead the secondary alternative provision and manage a team of teachers and support staff.
- Implement effective policies and procedures to support high standards of educational achievement.
- Oversee self‐evaluation and curriculum delivery.
- Support pupils with EHC plans, exclusions, or at risk of exclusion.
- Work with external professionals (CAMHS, EPS, Family Support) and oversee their work.
- Maintain presence on site and provide visible leadership.
Qualifications
- Experience leading secondary alternative provision or a similar role.
- Strong understanding of EHC, exclusions, and SEMH challenges.
- Excellent communication and team management skills.
Application Closing date for applications: Wednesday 25 February 2026, 23:59. Interview dates: Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March 2026. To apply, submit an expression of interest to Nigel Smith via email nigel.smith@nrc.islington.sch.uk. For informal discussion or to arrange a visit, contact Nigel Smith, Executive Headteacher, 020 7504 0534, nigel.smith@nrc.islington.sch.uk. The successful applicant will undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. Safeguarding checks required. New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will need to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. As part of our Safeguarding checks, an online search to ascertain the suitability of the candidate to work with vulnerable young people will be done for all shortlisted candidates.
Co-Head of Centre (Secondary) in London employer: Islington Council
Contact Detail:
Islington Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Co-Head of Centre (Secondary) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research New River College and understand their approach to supporting pupils with complex needs. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insights into the school's culture and what they value in a Co-Head of Centre, which can give you an edge in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to EHC plans, exclusions, and SEMH challenges. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to Nigel Smith expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Co-Head of Centre (Secondary) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in leading secondary alternative provision. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at New River College, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you’ve effectively managed teams and communicated with external professionals in the past. We love seeing real examples that reflect your style!
Highlight Your Understanding of EHC and SEMH Challenges: We’re looking for someone who really gets the complexities of EHC plans and SEMH challenges. Be sure to include specific experiences or strategies you've used to support pupils facing these issues, as it shows us you’re the right fit for our inclusive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your expression of interest through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nigel Smith for a chat before applying!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the role and responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with EHC plans, exclusions, and SEMH challenges. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're the right fit for leading the secondary alternative provision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you've implemented effective policies or improved educational outcomes. Being able to articulate your leadership style and successes will be key in convincing them you're the right person for the job.
✨Engage with External Professionals
Since the role involves working with external professionals like CAMHS and Family Support, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with such services. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how they benefited the students. This shows you understand the importance of a holistic approach to education.
✨Be Visible and Approachable
During the interview, convey your commitment to maintaining a visible presence on site and being an approachable leader. Share strategies you've used to foster a supportive environment for both staff and students. This will reflect your understanding of the importance of visibility in leadership roles.
