Head of College – Pure College, Stockport

Pure College is a thriving independent specialist college for young people aged 16–24 with Education, Health and Care Plans.

We are an employability-focused college with a clear mission: to prepare students for sustainable paid employment and successful adult lives. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and values-driven leader who is equally comfortable shaping long-term vision whilst remaining highly visible and operational within daily college life. As a small specialist college, relationships matter deeply, and all leaders are expected to work alongside staff and students to maintain a culture of high expectations, inclusion and professionalism, ensuring students are fully prepared for the expectations of the workplace and adulthood.

The successful candidate will lead a committed college team and directly line manage 3 key members of staff.

We are looking for a leader who:

• champions inclusive education and positive outcomes for students with SEND
• can confidently lead quality improvement and sustainable growth
• understands the importance of culture, visibility and relational leadership
• is passionate about preparing students for adulthood, independence and employment
• combines strategic thinking with practical operational leadership

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the college.
• Work closely with college governors to support effective governance and accountability.
• Work with the Management Accountant to ensure effective financial oversight, robust management, and long-term sustainability of the college.
• Contribute to the continued growth and long-term development of the college.
• Ensure the college remains inspection-ready and continues to meet regulatory and quality standards.
• Use data and self-assessment processes to improve learner outcomes and inform strategic decision-making.
• Maintain a strong understanding of SEND reforms, education policy, and legislative changes, ensuring these are effectively translated into college practice.
• Lead and engage in external-facing activity to benefit the college, including developing networks, partnerships with stakeholders, and community engagement.

Quality of Education

• Ensure high standards of education, curriculum and student outcomes.
• Promote a culture of high expectations and ambition for all students.
• Ensure students develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adulthood and employment.
• Lead continuous improvement across teaching, learning and student support.
• Promote positive destinations, employability and preparation for adulthood outcomes for all students.

Culture and Student Experience

• Lead and promote a positive, inclusive and student-centred culture.
• Maintain a highly visible presence across the college and work collaboratively alongside staff and students.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance, conduct and professionalism.
• Ensure students are safe, well supported and able to thrive.

Employability and Preparation for Adulthood

• Lead and promote an employability-focused culture across the college.
• Ensure the curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours students need to acquire and sustain paid employment.
• Maintain high expectations and professional standards so students are fully prepared for the workplace.
• Ensure students benefit from meaningful work-related learning, employer engagement and real-life experiences.
• Work collaboratively with Employment Officers, employers and external partners to support positive employment outcomes.
• Promote independence, confidence and preparation for adulthood across all aspects of college life.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Lead safeguarding, as the Designated Safeguard Lead, wellbeing and compliance processes across the college.
• Implement effective risk management processes.
• Ensure effective systems and processes are in place to support student welfare and safety.

Staff Leadership and Management

• Line manage members of the Senior Leadership team and support staff.
• Oversee staff performance management standards and succession planning.
• Promote reflective practice, provide challenge, support and professional development to staff teams.
• Promote high expectations, accountability and positive working relationships.

Partnership and Stakeholder Experience

• Develop effective relationships with families, local authorities, employers and external stakeholders.
• Promote external visibility and engagement practice.
• Represent the college positively within the wider community and sector.

The company reserves the right to reasonably amend the duties of this role in line with business needs.

Are you ready for the next step in your career or want to champion the journey of a small specialist college? If so, this job could be suited to you.