At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic Youth College for 14-16 year olds, enhancing their education experience.
- Company: South Tyneside College, committed to supporting vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with travel across the North East region.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young lives and drive positive change in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in secondary education and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55363 - 55363 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Youth College Manager to lead and develop our 14–16 provision at South Tyneside College. This is a pivotal role focused on delivering high-quality education, improving student outcomes, and shaping provision for some of the most vulnerable and complex young people. Youth College is a Y10/Y11 Service Level Agreement provision, aimed at supporting young people who have previously struggled in mainstream education. You will play a key role in driving performance, enhancing the student experience, and ensuring our provision meets the highest standards, including those required by Ofsted.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Youth College provision, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and safeguarding.
- Drive improvements in attendance, achievement, and progression for 14–16 learners.
- Develop and implement effective support and transition plans.
- Work closely with schools, parents/carers, local authorities, and external agencies.
- Monitor performance using data and implement targeted interventions.
- Lead on quality improvement and ensure readiness for Ofsted inspections.
- Manage and develop staff, promoting a strong culture of accountability and excellence.
- Contribute to strategic planning, growth, and development of provision.
About You
Experience & Knowledge
- Strong background in secondary education or 14–16 provision.
- Proven experience working with young people aged 14–16, particularly those facing disadvantage.
- Experience of managing transitions with schools, parents, and local authorities.
- Track record of improving attendance, engagement, and achievement.
- In-depth understanding of Ofsted requirements for 14–16 provision.
- Experience of leading teams and driving performance improvement.
- Knowledge of working with EHE, LAC/CIC students, and external agencies.
Skills
- Confident leader with the ability to inspire and drive change.
- Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Data-driven with the ability to interpret performance and act strategically.
- Experienced in quality improvement and managing underperformance.
- Able to manage complexity, challenge, and competing priorities.
Qualifications
- Degree or relevant professional qualification (essential).
- Teaching qualification (desirable).
- Minimum Level 2 English and Maths (or willingness to achieve).
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone with energy, vision, and resilience—a leader who can remove barriers to learning, raise aspirations, and make a tangible difference to young people’s lives.
Additional Information
- Travel across the North East region is required.
- This role is subject to enhanced safeguarding checks.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a growing 14–16 provision, making a real impact on student outcomes and life chances.
Closing Date: Tuesday 9th June 2026.
Head of Youth College in South Shields employer: North East Ambition
South Tyneside College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the development of both staff and students. As the Head of Youth College, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, with access to professional growth opportunities and a commitment to high-quality education. Located in the heart of South Tyneside, the college fosters strong partnerships with local schools and agencies, ensuring a holistic approach to student success and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Youth College in South Shields
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with youth provisions. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its current initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about improving student outcomes and have ideas ready to share on how to enhance the Youth College experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at South Tyneside College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Youth College in South Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of Head of Youth College. We want to see how your background in secondary education and working with young people can make a difference!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and drive change. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved performance in previous roles. We love seeing real-life stories!
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves monitoring performance and implementing targeted interventions, make sure to mention your experience with data analysis. Show us how you’ve used data to enhance student outcomes in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with them. Be ready to discuss your background in secondary education and how it relates to improving outcomes for 14–16 learners.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Youth College, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven performance improvements, and managed transitions with schools and local authorities. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since the role involves monitoring performance using data, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in the past. Bring examples of how you’ve implemented targeted interventions based on performance metrics to improve attendance and achievement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong partnership-building skills. Think about how you’ve engaged with parents, carers, and external agencies in previous roles. Be ready to share strategies you’ve used to foster collaboration and support for young people facing challenges.
