At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead education and skills development for children and young people in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the Good Shepherd Centre, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and relevant teaching qualifications required.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to creating a safe and responsive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 66456 - 72846 £ per year.
Published: 27th January 2026
Closes: 10th February 2026
Assessment Centre Interview Date: 17th February 2026
Location: Greenock Road, Bishopton PA7 5PW
Salary: £66,456 - £72,846 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full-time
Hours of work: 37.5 hours
Pattern of work: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
Regular SMT back up On Call out of hours responsibilities via an agreed rota.
Are you passionate about helping children and young people thrive and flourish? Does your track record show your commitment to upholding and promoting their rights? Do you share our active values of being rights respecting, kind, nurturing, resilient and hopeful?
We are looking for a caring, skilled, creative and experienced education leader who is committed to our vision of being a truly trauma responsive place of safety, where children in our care and the adults who support them can reach their maximum potential.
The Head of Education, Learning and Skills (for Life and Work) is a new, exciting and challenging role which will complete the Senior Management Team at Good Shepherd Centre (GSC) in preparation for the next stage of our improvement and service development journey, to keep The GSC Promise.
You will have a lead role in promoting and upholding the vision and values of the GSC, working in partnership with young people, families, colleagues across the Centre and wider sector, and our Board of Directors (volunteer Trustees), to realise our ambitious plans for change and growth.
GSC offers employees a great benefits package and you will be joining an enthusiastic and dedicated team. The GSC campus just outside Bishopton offers young people a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment set in fabulous grounds with a garden wildlife trail and outdoor sports facility. On-campus there are three secure care houses, a close support house & two cottages. Children and young people who live with us continue their education in our school, on campus, or attend further education out with the campus.
This is a time of fast paced change, intense challenge and new opportunities for the GSC as we seek to transform children’s experiences of secure care and intensive support and continue to build on our strong reputation for relational practice.
As Head of Education, Learning and Skills (for Life and Work) you will be a key member of the SMT and will have responsibility for leading Education, Learning, and Skills Development Services across the GSC. You will lead on ensuring that the climate and learning environment for children, young people and the adult workforce at GSC is tailored and responsive to the learning needs, additional support needs, and future goals of young learners, and to the roles and responsibilities of GSC employees and trainees.
You will promote a learning culture and opportunities for continual personal and professional growth and development, across the GSC workforce and disciplines.
The successful candidates will have rich and varied experience of delivering education and learning services, and of leading people and organisations through times of challenge and change. Candidates will require to be suitably qualified in a relevant area, with a teaching or further education qualification or an appropriate equivalent.
If you are seriously interested in becoming our Head of Education, Learning and Skills (For Life and Work), please contact the HR Department on 01505-864500 who will arrange an informal conversation with Alison Gough, Director. To apply, please complete our application form on our website by clicking the link above by the closing date above.
Pre-Employment Medical Questionnaires will be undertaken prior to confirmation of employment. All convictions whether spent or unspent must be declared. These posts are regulated work with children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
Head of Education, Learning and Skills (for Life and Work) in Bishopton employer: s1jobs
Contact Detail:
s1jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Education, Learning and Skills (for Life and Work) in Bishopton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Head of Education role. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that assessment centre! Brush up on your leadership skills and be ready to showcase how you can promote a nurturing environment for young learners. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with GSC's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the HR team or during the interview, share your commitment to children's rights and how you've made a difference in previous roles. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the GSC team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Education, Learning and Skills (for Life and Work) in Bishopton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for helping children and young people shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with ours, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead education and learning services, so be clear about how your background fits this role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the Head of Education position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at s1jobs
✨Know the GSC Vision Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the vision and values of Good Shepherd Centre. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to being trauma responsive and how they support children and young people. This will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for Head of Education, Learning and Skills, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges and changes, particularly in educational settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street, so don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the GSC is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their current initiatives or future plans for education and skills development.