At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead curriculum development and operational management for a vibrant educational community.
- Company: Join Kingston College, a key player in post-16 education in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 37 days annual leave, excellent pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to student success and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Degree and teaching qualification required, with strong leadership and curriculum management experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Fixed Term Contract Maternity Cover from October 2026. Kingston College is seeking a Head of School - Commercial Industries and Access School to lead the strategic development and operational management of the school's curriculum in line with college objectives and performance targets. This role involves creating a high-quality curriculum that meets the local and regional needs of the community the College serves.
You will be a member of the Curriculum Management Team (CMT) reporting directly to the Principal - FE. You will work closely with STCG Directors of Quality, Student Support Services & External Relations, HR, Finance and MIS on budget planning, monitoring and intervention.
A critical aspect of this role is to identify and evaluate strengths and areas for improvement, translating these into operating plans with clear actions and targets. You will monitor progress with the School Management Group (SMG) and report on this at College CMT, which will inform the College annual operating plan.
As Head of School, you will supervise and support the work of the Heads of Section, including Deputy and Team Leaders, who are responsible for the key priorities of the College and School as outlined in the annual quality improvement plan.
We would like our Head of School to hold a degree or appropriate professional qualifications relevant to the work in the School, possess a teaching qualification (or be willing to work towards one), and have substantial relevant teaching experience and excellent teaching skills. You will have demonstrable leadership and management skills in curriculum and staff management, with experience of leading teams and identifying training and development needs for both teaching and support teams.
You will possess strong knowledge of the School's curriculum, including current provision and impending changes, alongside a clear understanding of curriculum development, accreditation and validation processes. A proven track record of developing and managing a high-quality curriculum that responds effectively to student demand and learner needs is essential.
Additionally, you will demonstrate a thorough understanding of quality assurance and continuous improvement processes, using these to enhance the learner experience. Experience of successfully leading change and a sound understanding of funding mechanisms and their impact on the School's provision is also required.
The successful candidate will be eligible for any increase in salary as a consequence of the annual cost of living review implemented in the new academic year. Closing date for the return of completed applications is 3rd June 2026.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 37 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year, as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees' physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme with significant financial contributions from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities, professional development and training, plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College, and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training and is a significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to progress and achieve.
Head of School - Commercial Industries and Access School in London employer: Kingston College
Kingston College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to equality of opportunity, the college fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the local community through high-quality education. As part of the South Thames Colleges Group, employees benefit from being part of one of London's largest providers of post-16 education, ensuring ample opportunities for growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Commercial Industries and Access School in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Kingston College. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a recommendation or insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's current curriculum and any recent changes. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about how you can contribute to the strategic development of the school.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences in managing teams and driving curriculum improvements. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Kingston College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Commercial Industries and Access School in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the Head of School role. We want to see how you can contribute to our curriculum development and operational management.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and managing staff, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've successfully led change and developed high-quality curriculums in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, as we appreciate clarity and directness in communication.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingston College
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current curriculum and any upcoming changes. Familiarise yourself with how it aligns with local community needs, as this will be a key focus during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed curriculum development in the past. Highlight your ability to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Funding Mechanisms
Brush up on your knowledge of funding mechanisms and their impact on educational provision. Be ready to discuss how you would approach budget planning and monitoring in your role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your understanding of quality assurance processes and how they enhance the learner experience. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you’ve implemented to drive continuous improvement in previous roles.
