At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead educational excellence and drive impactful strategies for children and young people.
- Company: Rochdale, a forward-thinking borough committed to inclusion and potential.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape education strategy and make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong support for innovation and transformation.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative environment and influence the future of thousands of young lives.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a passion for education and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Rochdale is ambitious in its plans to support the inclusion, aspiration and potential of all children and young people. Rochdale has a relational approach; we are proud about our culture and partnerships. We are pioneering in making a difference for children and families. We are looking for a candidate who is ambitious for our children and who is willing to work hard to support all children in reaching their full potential.
As Strategic Head of Education and Belonging you will join us in shaping an exceptional future for children and young people across Rochdale. This is a unique opportunity to influence borough-wide education strategy, champion excellence, and work in close partnership with schools, Multi Academy Trusts, and local, regional and national partners to secure the very best outcomes for our children and young people. The post holder will lead a highly dedicated service at a time of ambition, innovation and transformation.
You will be central to driving forward the Rochdale Education and Skills Strategy, developing a new Raising Rochdale Belonging Strategy and in delivering on the priorities of the Children and Young People’s Plan.
What You’ll BringThis is a Senior Leadership role. We are looking for an experienced strategic, solutions-focused leader who thrives on collaboration, influence and impact. The post holder must be familiar in working within a Local Authority environment and have significant experience of leadership across the education system. You will be confident working with senior education leaders, adept at navigating a complex policy landscape, and motivated by a deep commitment to inclusion and equity. Your expertise will help steer the improvement journey of schools across the borough, ensuring that every child regardless of background has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
What You’ll Do- Drive educational excellence through strong, evidence-informed strategic leadership.
- Build and maintain purposeful partnerships with schools, MATs, and external agencies.
- Lead coordinated intervention and improvement strategies for schools requiring additional support.
- Oversee and inspire a range of teams within the Schools, SEND and Inclusion Service, ensuring high performance and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Support financial sustainability and create successful business models for the Local Authority.
- Shape and implement impactful frameworks for school improvement, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.
- Provide expert advice on education policy and practice to senior leaders and elected members.
- Deputise for the Assistant Director of Schools and Inclusion, contributing to corporate and strategic priorities.
A borough-wide remit with the opportunity to drive meaningful change. Strong political and corporate support for education and inclusion. A collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged. A leadership role that directly shapes outcomes for thousands of young people.
This is your opportunity to lead with impact, champion excellence, and help shape a bright future for the borough’s children. If you are a dynamic, forward-thinking education leader with the passion and skill to make a significant difference, we would love to hear from you.
Strategic Head of Education & Belonging employer: Rochdale Council
Rochdale is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering inclusion and aspiration for all children and young people. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, we offer a supportive work culture that empowers leaders to drive meaningful change across the borough. As the Strategic Head of Education and Belonging, you will have the unique opportunity to influence educational strategies and outcomes, while benefiting from robust political support and a commitment to professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of Education & Belonging
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to Rochdale. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusion and education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven change or supported diverse groups in your previous roles. We want to see your commitment to making a difference for children and young people!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching Rochdale’s current educational strategies and challenges. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the community.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Head of Education & Belonging
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and inclusion shine through. We want to see how ambitious you are for the children and young people of Rochdale, so share your vision and commitment to making a difference!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leadership within the education system. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex policies and work collaboratively, so be specific about how your background aligns with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas. 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 to lead and inspire change in Rochdale.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochdale Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Rochdale's education strategies and the specific challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives, especially around inclusion and belonging, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Demonstrate your commitment to educational equity and inclusion during the interview. Share specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully implemented strategies that supported diverse learners and improved outcomes for all students.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your collaborative approach. Think of instances where you’ve built partnerships with schools or external agencies and how those relationships led to positive changes.
✨Bring Evidence of Impact
Be prepared to showcase your achievements with data and evidence. Whether it’s improved student performance metrics or successful programme implementations, having concrete examples will help illustrate your ability to drive educational excellence.
