Head of College in Islington, Norfolk

About SoundSkool
‘Changing Young People’s Lives Through Music…’
I am excited to share a unique and exciting opportunity to work in a creative and vibrant educational environment. The role of ‘Head of College’ would provide the right candidate with the opportunity to have a significant impact on the lives of young musicians, artists and producers. Established in 2008 as a community music provider, we have grown into a specialist post-16 music industry college and community with a vibrant, exciting and creative learning environment. With only up to 60 full-time music students, SoundSkool is a not-for-profit training provider focused on giving all students a personalised, holistic, enjoyable and professional music education experience.

We are an accredited Rock School London (RSL) centre and we deliver Level 3 creative music qualifications. Students can complete pathways in music performance/business or music production/business. Students who have not achieved grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths also take these GCSEs or Functional Skills alongside their music courses.

We are proud of our community foundations and ethos, and of our music industry connections and partnerships, which extend beyond the classroom and studios of our creative hubs. These include use of external facilities, masterclasses, and a host of industry and community music outreach programmes and activities. We have a dedicated team of tutors and practitioners who are all creative education specialists and industry professionals, with invaluable experience and expertise. We are excited to receive applications from like-minded, dynamic individuals who can share their skills, knowledge and experience to ensure our next cohort’s success.

Job Summary
We are recruiting for a passionate and experienced educational leader to take on the role of Head of College at our small, vibrant, post-16 music industry college in London. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for the strategic, operational and pastoral success of the provision. The Head of College will work closely with the CEO, our educational consultants, and the wider team to maintain and grow an inclusive, creative and high-performing environment for 16- to 18-year-olds.

Key Information
Location: Islington/Holborn, London
Salary: £57,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent. Open to full-time (5 days) or part-time (3 or 4 days) arrangements, pro rata.
Working Weeks: 46 working weeks per year (term-time plus 6 additional weeks for leadership responsibilities including planning, enrolment, curriculum development and training)
Start Date: July 2026 (with flexibility for the right candidate)
Application Deadline: 1st May
Interview Date: Start of May

We are open to applications from candidates seeking either a full-time position or a part-time role (3 or 4 days per week). The salary will be prorated accordingly.

How To Apply:
Please send:
- A copy of your CV
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
- The names and contact details of two referees (one must be your most recent employer)
Please email your CV and a short cover letter or bullet points outlining your experience to: info@soundskool.co.uk
Subject: Head of College Application
If you have any access needs or require the information in an alternative format, please contact us. Interviews will be held at the end of April early May (exact date TBC). Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Why Work at SoundSkool?
- Join an organisation with 18 years of grassroots history and a reputation for meaningful relationships with students
- Lead a non-traditional college where wellbeing, inclusion, music and creativity are at the heart of everything we do
- A close-knit, student-centred environment with small class sizes
- Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real impact
- Work with a passionate and committed team in a highly creative setting
- Play a key role in guiding the next phase of SoundSkool’s journey as we grow and evolve

Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience:
- QTS and evidence of ongoing professional development
- Experience in delivering music qualifications/events/training
- Evidence of recent leadership experience that has contributed to college self-evaluation
- Experience in varied educational settings and relevant age range
- Music/Maths/English curriculum knowledge and experience of curriculum planning and effective timetabling
- Experience of monitoring staff performance
- Experience of setting and achieving ambitious, challenging goals and targets
- Knowledge of financial planning, experience of budgetary management and application of the principles of best value
- Excellent organisational skills, the ability to manage time well under pressure and to meet deadlines
- An understanding of national policy, curriculum and assessment developments and the statutory and legal framework within which a college operates, including the Ofsted Inspection Framework
- Commitment to ensuring inclusion and addressing diversity positively
- An ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of audiences
- A passion for achieving the very best outcomes for all students
- A clear vision for an innovative, progressive and forward-thinking college that can be clearly communicated to the community
- Flexibility, initiative and drive to maintain a positive attitude in the face of a challenging and demanding job
- The ability to think analytically and creatively, demonstrating initiative in solving problems
- Confident use of information management systems (e.g. MIS, safeguarding or attendance platforms)

Personal Qualities:
- Demonstrate a passion for teaching and learning
- Communicate effectively and develop positive relationships with all stakeholders
- Be organised and able to plan, deliver and evaluate meaningful provision
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills
- Be decisive, consistent and solution-focused
- Demonstrate the capacity to lead/manage others, be reflective, resilient and adaptable
- Be able to encourage, motivate and inspire others
- Listen carefully and consider the views of others in a collaborative fashion
- Vision - an ability to imagine the best future for young people and facilitate their journey

Job Description
The Head of College will have overall responsibility for:
- Teaching and Learning
- Assessment, Recording and Reporting
- Behaviour Management
- Attendance and Punctuality
- Qualification Achievement and Student Retention
- The day-to-day running of the college including Safeguarding as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Academic progress and pastoral welfare of all SoundSkool students
- Leadership and management of the college in collaboration with the CEO, Board, and other stakeholders
- Financial oversight including efficient use of resources
- Planning and delivery of accredited qualifications
- Parent, partner, and stakeholder engagement
- Policy implementation, monitoring, and review
- Strategic planning, improvement and self-assessment
- Progression opportunities for students (UCAS, employment, apprenticeships)
- Personalised curriculum development including EHCP adaptations
- Staff recruitment, development, CPD, and performance management
- Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive practices
- Compliance with all legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEND Code of Practice, Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Data Protection)
- First Aid Trained

Leadership Responsibilities:
- Embedding SoundSkool’s values of Creativity, Responsibility, Excellence & Determination
- Creating a positive, inclusive, and enriching college environment
- Maintaining high educational standards for students from all backgrounds
- Supporting subject expertise and evidence-based pedagogy
- Ensuring compliance with statutory SEND duties and effective partnership with families and external professionals
- Developing external partnerships across industry, education and the local community
- Upholding British values and fostering a respectful, inclusive culture

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment:
- Thorough knowledge and experience of best practice and procedures in safeguarding children and young people
- Commitment to promoting the welfare of students and ensuring a safe learning environment. Understanding of KCSIE, safer recruitment and child protection procedures including DBS clearance.
SoundSkool is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration of any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. This role involves regulated activity with children and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion:
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in education and employment
- An understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty, and how this applies in a post-16 setting.
- Demonstrable experience of implementing inclusive practice and addressing barriers to learning for underrepresented groups.
SoundSkool is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and students.