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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 opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ 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! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. We can’t stress enough how much this helps in building confidence and refining your responses to those tricky questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!
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 is tailored to the Head of Education & Skills role. Highlight your senior leadership experience in Further Education and vocational training, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your passion for education and skills development, and how you can drive quality assurance and innovation in training.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include specific examples of your past successes. Whether it’s leading a high-performing team or developing curricula that meet industry needs, we want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic company culture.
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 challenges in Further Education and vocational training. Brush up on Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards, as these will likely come up during your chat. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven change in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve improved quality assurance or compliance. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your ability to manage and inspire a high-performing team is crucial.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s employers, learners, or regulatory bodies, showing that you can build strong relationships and communicate effectively will set you apart. Have a few anecdotes ready that highlight your communication skills.
✨Innovate and Inspire
Think about how you can bring innovation to the table. Prepare to share ideas on developing new FE funding opportunities or enhancing apprenticeship delivery. This role is all about shaping the future, so showcasing your forward-thinking mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
