At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative alternative education programmes for young people and adults.
- Company: Join Petty Pool Trust, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, company sick pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to high expectations and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those often overlooked in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and a passion for inclusive practices required.
The predicted salary is between 38613 - 43459 € per year.
The Petty Pool Trust is seeking a leader who shares our commitment to high expectations, creativity, and person-centred approaches, and who will inspire our staff and learners to achieve their very best.
Salary: £38,613 – £43,459 per annum
Hours: 35
Main geographical location of role: Petty Pool College, Pool Lane, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2DR
Closing date: 1 June 2026
About Petty Pool Trust
Petty Pool Trust is a specialist charity committed to empowering young people and adults with learning disabilities, difficulties, and complex needs to achieve meaningful and sustainable futures through education, community provision, and outdoor learning experiences.
Purpose of Role
This is a unique and ambitious opportunity to lead the development of a brand new Alternative Education offer from the ground up. We are seeking a dynamic, inspiring and entrepreneurial leader who can shape a high-quality, inclusive education pathway for some of the hardest-to-reach young people and adults in our region.
The role will evolve in three distinct phases, and requires someone with the vision, flexibility, and operational know-how to build programmes from scratch, recruit and lead teams, secure premises, develop curriculum, and navigate funding requirements.
The Role is Split Across Three Key Areas:
- Alternative Provision (14–16): You will lead on establishing a bespoke alternative provision for KS4 learners, particularly those with EHCPs or emerging SEND needs who are at risk of exclusion or disengagement from school.
- NEET and 16–24 Alternative Study Programmes: You will design and deliver a rolling-entry offer for young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
- Adult Education (Age 25+): Once the 14–16 and 16–24 pathways are embedded, you will lead the development of adult education programmes, with a particular focus on adults with SEND and those seeking to return to learning.
Who We’re Looking For…
This is not a role for someone looking to maintain a status quo. We need a self-starter with energy, drive and a deep commitment to inclusive education. You will need:
- Proven experience of setting up new programmes or services.
- The confidence to recruit, lead and inspire a new team.
- A solid understanding of education funding models (DfE Study Programmes, AEB, EHCP placements).
- Strategic thinking with a hands-on, can-do mindset.
- The ability to build meaningful relationships with schools, funders, and community partners.
This critical leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that all learners experience a high-quality, personalised provision that enables them to re-engage with education, achieve positive outcomes, and progress successfully into further education, employment, or training.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Organisational Impact: Lead the strategic planning, design, and delivery of the Alternative Education programme in line with Petty Pool Trust’s mission, vision, and values.
- Curriculum, Delivery, and Learner Progress: Design a bespoke, engaging, and therapeutic curriculum tailored to meet the needs of disengaged and complex learners.
- Safeguarding, Welfare, and Pastoral Care: Maintain a robust safeguarding culture in line with statutory guidance.
- Operational and Financial Management: Manage the day-to-day operational delivery of the Alternative Education, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Staff Leadership and Development: Recruit, lead, inspire, and develop the Alternative Education staff team.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, social care teams, parents/carers, and external agencies.
- Quality Assurance, Reporting, and KPIs: Develop and implement a quality assurance framework for the Alternative Education.
Person Specification
- Significant senior leadership experience in alternative provision, SEND, SEMH, youth engagement, or education.
- Proven success designing and delivering alternative education programmes for disengaged or vulnerable young people.
- In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, pastoral care, and welfare best practice in educational settings.
- Expertise in curriculum design, teaching, learning, assessment, and progress tracking frameworks.
- Strong leadership, staff management, and team development skills.
- Financial management experience including budget planning and reporting.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.
- High-level written and verbal communication skills.
- Clear commitment to inclusion, learner-centred practice, and improving outcomes for disadvantaged young people.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
Staff Benefits
- 28 days annual leave, plus 8 public bank holidays
- On-site parking
- Company Sick pay (after passing probationary period)
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Free meals when commuting by car sharing, walking, or cycling
- Bike rack
- Eye care vouchers
- Company pension
- Smart casual dress
Head of Alternative Education – Petty Pool Trust, Cheshire employer: Natspec Association
Petty Pool Trust is an outstanding employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive environment, and the opportunity to lead innovative educational programmes that make a real difference in the community. Located in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, the Trust offers a unique chance to shape the future of alternative education while enjoying a collaborative and ambitious workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alternative Education – Petty Pool Trust, Cheshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to alternative education. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and partners. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Petty Pool Trust thoroughly. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or developed programmes in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusive education! During interviews, express your commitment to empowering learners with complex needs. Share your vision for creating engaging and supportive learning environments that cater to diverse needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Petty Pool Trust team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alternative Education – Petty Pool Trust, Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for alternative education shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can inspire both staff and learners.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in setting up programmes and working with SEND learners. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Share why you're excited about this opportunity and how your skills can help us build a fantastic alternative education programme from scratch.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natspec Association
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into the Petty Pool Trust's mission and values. Understand their commitment to high expectations and creativity. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past where you've successfully set up new programmes or services, especially in alternative education. Highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on approach, as these are key traits they're looking for in a leader.
✨Engage with Their Community
Research the local schools, SENDCos, and community partners relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with them and promote the Alternative Education programme. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of the local landscape.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the future of the Alternative Education programme and how they envision its growth. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and your forward-thinking mindset, which is crucial for a leadership position.
