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- Tasks: Lead innovative vocational pathways for autistic young people, focusing on internships and social enterprises.
- Company: St John's College, an award-winning autism-specific college with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Join a supportive leadership team and make a real difference in learners' lives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vocational learning and empower young people to thrive in adulthood.
- Qualifications: Experience in vocational education and a passion for inclusive practice.
- Other info: Flexible working locations across Brighton and Sussex with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16-25. We are now seeking an inspiring and strategic Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).
As Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the future of our vocational provision across the college. You will lead the development of high-quality, innovative vocational pathways that empower autistic young people to progress into employment and adulthood with confidence. A key focus of the role will be the development and expansion of Supported Internships and social enterprises. These programmes follow the DFN Project SEARCH model, a globally recognised framework that supports young people with autism to gain valuable work skills and meaningful workplace experience. This role can be based at any of our locations, depending on operational need, and will involve working collaboratively across multiple sites in Brighton and Sussex.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a high-quality vocational learning offer, with a strong focus on Supported Internships and social enterprises.
- Provide strategic oversight for the expansion and sustainability of supported internships and future vocational initiatives.
- Lead the vocational elements of the college curriculum, including pre-supported internship pathways.
- Manage, support, and mentor vocational learning staff, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and resources to excel.
- Work collaboratively across geographically dispersed teams to ensure consistency, quality, and impact in vocational provision.
Why Join St John's College?
- Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success.
- Make a genuine, lasting difference to the lives of autistic young people.
If you are an experienced and passionate leader with a strong background in vocational education and a commitment to inclusive practice, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.
Closing Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Shortlisting Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age. Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations.
We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people. Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning employer: St John's College
Contact Detail:
St John's College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with vocational learning. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting autistic young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research St John's College and its vocational programmes thoroughly. Knowing their values and initiatives will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for vocational learning and supporting autistic young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in vocational education and leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to develop innovative pathways and lead teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Online: Don’t forget to submit your application through our recruitment portal! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and can process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John's College
✨Know Your Vocational Learning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in vocational education, especially those that relate to autism. Familiarise yourself with the DFN Project SEARCH model and be ready to discuss how you can implement and expand these initiatives at St John's College.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in vocational settings. Think about times when you've mentored staff or developed innovative programmes that made a real difference. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working across multiple sites, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you've worked with diverse teams to achieve common goals, ensuring consistency and quality in vocational provision.
✨Passion for Inclusion
St John's College values inclusive practice, so convey your commitment to supporting autistic young people. Discuss any relevant experiences you have in creating inclusive learning environments and how you plan to ensure that all students feel empowered and confident as they transition into adulthood.
