Head of Education in Knowsley

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace. Our local authority is in a strong financial position, with a balanced budget that ensures stability and growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a Senior Leadership Team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Shape the future of education in Knowsley. Inspire change. Deliver impact.

Knowsley Council is seeking an exceptional and visionary Head of Education to lead our Education Service and help drive outstanding outcomes for children, young people and adult learners across the borough. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic leader with a passion for education, inclusion and partnership working to influence educational excellence from birth through to adulthood. As a key member of the Children’s Services Management Team, you will provide high-quality leadership across a diverse portfolio, ensuring the delivery of statutory education functions while shaping the future of education in Knowsley.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of Education Services across the borough.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, trusts, headteachers, governors, the Department for Education, Ofsted and wider stakeholders.
• Drive school effectiveness, inclusion and educational improvement.
• Champion the Knowsley Youth Offer and ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members on education policy, legislation and strategy.
• Lead transformational change that improves outcomes for children, families and communities.

Who we’re looking for:

You will be an experienced senior leader within a statutory education environment, with:

• A proven track record of delivering results in complex and politically sensitive settings.
• Extensive knowledge of education legislation and education funding.
• Strong financial, strategic and operational leadership skills.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and the values of Knowsley Better Together.

Why Knowsley?

At Knowsley, we’re ambitious for our communities and our people. You’ll join a forward-thinking authority committed to ensuring that every child and young person can achieve their full potential. This is your chance to make a lasting difference to educational outcomes and help shape the future of a borough that is passionate about improvement, inclusion and opportunity for all. We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants. At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact: Chris Price, Director (Education and Inclusion), Telephone: 0151 443 5655, Email: Chris.price@knowsley.gov.uk

Closing Date: 11 September 2026

Interviews are likely to take place 25 September 2026

Company: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Salary: £87,117- £93,978

Location: Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside

Sector: Corporate Services, Corporate Management Team, Education