Head of School Improvement and Early Years - Portsmouth

We are looking for a Head of School Improvement and Early Years to take the lead role in promoting the educational progress and achievement of all children and young people, including those who are in the care of the local authority or are care-experienced, and children and young people who have or have had a social worker. This role works to improve experiences and remove barriers, championing the needs of the most vulnerable children and developing strong relationships with all partners across the city.

As Head of Service within the Education Division, you will provide strategic leadership to improve outcomes for children and young people across Portsmouth’s education and childcare system. You will fulfil the statutory role of Headteacher of the Virtual School and College, championing the achievement and life chances of children in care and care‑experienced young people. The role leads key statutory responsibilities including primary moderation and assessment, and provides leadership across Early Years and Childcare, Ethnic Minority Achievement and Music Services, working with partners to drive impact and accountability. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will support the transformation of the broader Education Division to respond to educational and local government reforms.

Who is the person summary:

You will be a dynamic leader (with QTS) bringing significant teaching and senior leadership experience across the primary, secondary and/or special school sectors. You will have a strong track record of leading school improvement programmes that deliver measurable improvements for children and young people, alongside experience of coaching, training and supporting senior leaders, teachers and support staff to enhance practice. You will be confident in evaluating whole‑school performance through detailed data analysis to identify and implement effective strategies for improvement, working collaboratively with virtual school leaders, governors, colleagues and external partners such as teaching school hubs, multi‑academy trusts and regional groups. You will demonstrate experience of working with diverse children and families, particularly those who are disadvantaged, care‑experienced or face barriers to learning, and possess in‑depth knowledge of the National Curriculum, Early Years Foundation Stage, Ofsted framework and safeguarding requirements. You will also bring up‑to‑date expertise in legislation and guidance relating to school improvement, early years provision, pupils with SEND, and initiatives impacting looked‑after and previously looked‑after children.

About Portsmouth City Council:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.

Additional Information:

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Nathan Caine, Deputy Director of Education. Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. Interview date: Interviews are planned to take place w/c 18th May 2026.

Our recruitment process:

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.