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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a college focused on inclusive education for students with complex needs.
- Company: Orchard Hill College, a forward-thinking organisation in the Kingston region.
- Benefits: Career progression, pension schemes, employee wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified educator with leadership experience in SEND education.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an inspirational and dynamic Head of College to lead our Kingston region at Orchard Hill College. As Head of College you will oversee our Kingston centres, working with the Executive Principal and Senior Leadership Team to set strategic direction and lead on High Needs, Adult Education, and Project Search Supported Internship programmes. If you’re passionate about inclusive education and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide inspirational leadership to deliver a high-quality educational environment for students with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including PMLD, SEMH, MLD, and ASD.
- Sustain and build on the College’s outstanding Ofsted rating, ensuring excellence across all areas of provision.
- Take strategic leadership of safeguarding, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all young adults.
- Ensure compliance with statutory duties and the SEND Code of Practice, maintaining the highest standards of governance and accountability.
- Represent the College externally, engaging with local authorities, commissioning groups, and stakeholder forums (including Kingston’s Project Search steering group), while leading on risk management and staying abreast of national and international developments in SEND education.
Key Requirements
- Qualified educator with a Diploma in Education & Training (or equivalent) and QTS/QTLS (or equivalent).
- Proven leadership in teaching excellence, with the ability to model outstanding practice and deliver high-quality coaching and professional development across centres.
- Extensive experience in SEND education, with deep knowledge of teaching, learning, and assessment for students with a wide range of complex needs.
- Successful senior leadership experience, ideally within specialist settings, demonstrating innovation in curriculum design and delivery.
- Strong strategic insight, with up-to-date understanding of statutory and compliance frameworks, and the ability to develop and deliver an ambitious, coherent vision for continuous improvement.
Orchard Hill College is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:
Rewards & Benefits
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
- Employee Wellbeing – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
Head of College – Orchard Hill College, Kingston Region employer: Orchard Hill College
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of College – Orchard Hill College, Kingston Region
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. Attend local events or forums related to inclusive education to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, particularly with students who have complex needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching Orchard Hill College's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to align with their mission and demonstrate how your vision for the college can contribute to its ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of College – Orchard Hill College, Kingston Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in SEND education and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Orchard Hill College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest practices, legislation, and frameworks. This will not only show your passion for inclusive education but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've inspired teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you've modelled outstanding practice or led professional development. This is your chance to shine a light on your ability to foster a high-quality educational environment.
✨Engage with Strategic Vision
Be ready to articulate your vision for the college and how you plan to sustain and build on its outstanding Ofsted rating. Consider how you would approach strategic leadership in safeguarding and compliance, as well as how you would engage with local authorities and stakeholders.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the college's future plans, challenges they face in SEND education, or how they support staff wellbeing. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
