At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve educational outcomes for children in care and vulnerable young people.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, committed to transforming children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous pension, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives and shape the future of education in Nottingham.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in educational leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72917 - 81700 £ per year.
Nottingham City Council is on a significant journey of improvement, reform and transformation across Children's and Education Services. We are redesigning services, strengthening practice, and building a more connected system around children, young people, and families. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is an exciting opportunity to join us and help shape the future of services across our city.
You will play a key leadership role in improving the educational outcomes, aspirations, and life chances of children in care, previously looked after children and children with a social worker. As a key member of the Children's and Education Services Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic direction for the Virtual School, ensuring education remains central to the Council's corporate parenting responsibilities.
Working closely with schools, social care, health partners, and wider stakeholders, alongside colleagues across the directorate, you will champion inclusion, attendance, achievement and educational stability, ensuring vulnerable children and young people receive the support they need to thrive.
We are looking for an inspiring and experienced educational leader with a strong track record of driving improvement, influencing system-wide change, and delivering better outcomes for children and young people. You will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, translating national policy and statutory guidance into effective local practice while fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact across Nottingham, leading dedicated professionals, and partnerships to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Essential Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status.
Desirable Qualifications: National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Why Nottingham? This is a pivotal moment for Children's and Education Services in Nottingham. We are investing in leadership, strengthening our services, and creating the conditions for long term success. Our vision is simple: every child and young person should be seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
In Return We Offer:
- Salary £72,917 to £81,700 (SLMG3)
- Flexible hybrid working
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with 18.5% employer contribution
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- A strong commitment to employee wellbeing
Closing date: Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11.59pm
Virtual School Head in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the council provides a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while contributing to the community's welfare.
