Assistant Principal High Performance and Opportunity

As Assistant Principal for High Performance and Opportunity, you will work directly with the Principal to lead and deliver strategic projects that enhance performance, opportunity and innovation across all areas of the College. This is a pivotal, high-impact role for an energetic, analytical and creative leader who turns ideas into action and builds a culture of continuous improvement.

Benefits we offer include:

• Pension Schemes
• Professional Development opportunities
• Access to a free gym on site
• Reduced cost train travel* (qualifying period applies)
• Access to free onsite car parks
• Shopping discounts with discount app*

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Assistant Principal High Performance and Opportunity will play a key role in delivering the College's vision for excellence by leading strategic improvement and innovation projects that enhance opportunity, quality and outcomes for learners of all ages.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver high-impact, cross-college projects to enhance performance, opportunity and innovation.
• Contribute to the development and successful delivery of the Strategic Plan, College Development Plan and Quality Improvement Plan.
• Collaborate with Vice Principals, Heads of Department and Service Heads to drive improvement through evidence-based practice.
• Analyse data and complex situations to identify key drivers of performance, opportunities for innovation and barriers to success.
• Provide analytical insight and recommendations to support senior leaders in decision-making and performance monitoring.
• Report regularly to the Principal and the College Corporation on progress, outcomes and the impact of improvement and innovation initiatives.
• Identify, test and scale initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, student experience, systems or services.
• Support and strengthen the College's quality assurance and improvement frameworks through evidence-based improvement activity.
• Champion the use of data and evidence to inform strategic improvement and innovation.
• Lead or support projects that extend opportunity for learners, including partnerships, enrichment, and digital innovation.
• Promote high standards and innovation across teams, celebrating success and embedding a culture of ambition and creativity.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework and its application within Further Education.
• Lead the identification, development, and delivery of new projects and income streams including Skills Bootcamps, commercial programmes, and externally funded initiatives.
• Manage the Partnerships Team to ensure the effective generation, implementation, and management of new ventures.
• Build strong external partnerships with employers, funding bodies, and community stakeholders.
• Drive a culture of innovation and enterprise across the College, supporting staff to think creatively and embrace new opportunities.
• Work collaboratively across curriculum and service areas to embed sustainable improvements and foster collective accountability.
• Support Vice Principals and Heads to implement agreed priorities and monitor their impact.
• Act as a visible, collegiate leader who models professional curiosity, accountability, and collaboration.
• Support the Principal and Senior Leadership Team in promoting the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and engagement across the College.
• Deputise for members of the Senior Leadership Team as required.
• Ensure all improvement and innovation projects have clear objectives, deliverables, and evaluation measures.
• Track and analyse data to evidence impact, identify trends, and recommend refinements.
• Streamline systems, processes and workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness across curriculum and service areas.
• Maintain momentum and ensure completion of initiatives – acting as a "starter-finisher" who turns plans into tangible outcomes.
• Ensure all activity aligns with the College's strategic aims, quality standards, and funding compliance.
• Support a positive culture of high performance, inclusion and wellbeing across all areas of the College.
• Champion professional development, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Work with leaders and managers to embed effective performance management and accountability frameworks.
• Lead by example in demonstrating the College's THRIVE values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Level 2 (or above) in English and maths
• Degree
• Level 4 or above Teaching Qualification
• Proven experience in a leadership role within Further Education or a similar environment
• Strong understanding of curriculum planning, funding, quality assurance, and performance improvement
• Demonstrable success in leading complex projects and delivering measurable outcomes
• Proven experience of people management, including managing performance, appraisals, and staff wellbeing
• Proven ability to build, lead and sustain a positive organisational culture focused on accountability, engagement and collaboration
• Demonstrable experience in improving systems and processes to enhance organisational effectiveness and performance
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret and use data effectively
• Dynamic, results-driven leader with exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to engage staff at all levels and drive sustainable change through collaboration
• High levels of resilience, energy, and tenacity – able to see initiatives through from concept to completion
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Comprehensive understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and its implications for quality improvement and leadership in Further Education.

Person Specification – Highly Desirable Criteria

• Experience in developing and delivering commercial or externally funded projects (e.g. Skills Bootcamps, adult skills funding)
• Knowledge of emerging trends and innovation within Further Education.
• Experience of managing business development or income-generating teams
• Experience in curriculum innovation or cross-college improvement initiatives
• Commitment to inclusive practice and learner-centred improvement.
• Experience of using project management methodologies
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to work flexible hours as required by the role

Person Specification – Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and experience of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Knowledge or experience of effective and compliant Safeguarding
• Knowledge of delivering the PREVENT agenda

Shipley College Mission Statement

To be a beacon of opportunity, transforming lives through learning.

Our Core Values – THRIVE!

• Transformational: We champion lifelong learning, leading by example and fostering a culture of growth for all.
• Heritage: We value our history and invest in our future.
• Relationships: We build strong partnerships and work together to achieve shared goals.
• Inclusive: We foster a welcoming, caring and equitable environment.
• Vision: We inspire and support the pursuit of personal and professional ambitions, responding to a rapidly changing world.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering exceptional education and achieving outstanding outcomes.

EOO Statement

Shipley College is an Equal Opportunities Employer and requires its employees to comply with all current equality policies in terms of equal opportunity for employment. Shipley College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Employment offers are subject to pre-employment checks, including DBS, references, online checks and the right to work.