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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in education and skills, shaping the future workforce.
- Company: Reputable organisation with a strong commitment to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on apprenticeship delivery and workforce development across the UK.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in Further Education or vocational training required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with options for a 4-day work week and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 62000 £ per year.
We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Head of Education and Skills to lead and future-proof a nationally recognised Further Education and apprenticeship provision within a specialist industrial sector. This is a senior leadership role with genuine influence. You will take full strategic and operational ownership of apprenticeship delivery and commercial training programmes, ensuring outstanding quality, regulatory compliance, and exceptional learner and employer experiences.
Working at the heart of a well-established organisation with a long-standing reputation for excellence, you will play a pivotal role in developing the workforce of the future and responding to the evolving needs of industry. You will be a credible, experienced senior leader from a Further Education or vocational training background, with a strong record of delivering high-quality apprenticeship and commercial provision.
This role is hybrid, office based in Darlington for 3-4 days a week, working from home for the remainder of the week. There is also an option for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off.
SALARY/BENEFITS:
- £50-£55K starting salary
- Excellent Company Benefits Package
- Flexible and friendly working environment
- Options for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off
- Access to private Health Care
- 25 days holiday plus Statutory Holidays plus your birthday off
Responsibilities:
- To oversee all aspects of apprenticeship provision and drive continuous improvement across commercial training programmes
- Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing education and training team
- Drive quality assurance, standardisation, and performance management across all provision
- Take a lead role in Ofsted inspection planning, readiness, and compliance
- Explore and develop new FE funding opportunities and support high-quality bids
- Lead innovation in training, and make a tangible impact on workforce development nationwide.
Essential Experience:
- Extensive senior leadership experience within Further Education or vocational training
- In-depth knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, quality assurance, and compliance
- Strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, FE funding models, and accreditation
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver strategic change
- Experience developing curricula aligned to employer and industry needs
- Proven understanding of FE funding streams such as Adult Skills Fund, Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs, Local/Devolved Funding, and Lifelong Learning Entitlement
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and learner welfare
Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington) employer: Oakmoor Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Oakmoor Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education and skills sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face in the education sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in shaping the future of skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven quality assurance and managed teams in your previous roles. Highlight your successes in improving apprenticeship delivery and compliance – this is what will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future of education together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in Further Education and vocational training, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can drive quality and innovation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Education & Skills role. Share specific examples of your achievements in apprenticeship delivery and team management that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Ofsted: Since Ofsted compliance is key for this role, make sure to mention your experience with Ofsted frameworks and quality assurance processes. We’re looking for someone who can lead us through inspections with confidence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakmoor Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and regulations in Further Education and vocational training. Brush up on Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving strategic change. Think about specific instances where you’ve improved quality assurance or managed resources effectively, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. This could include employers, learners, and regulatory bodies. Showing that you can build strong relationships will be key to your success in this role.
✨Innovate and Inspire
Think about innovative training solutions you’ve implemented or would like to explore. Be prepared to share your vision for the future of education and skills in the industry, as this will show your forward-thinking approach and commitment to workforce development.
