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- Tasks: Lead innovative vocational pathways for autistic young people, empowering them towards employment.
- 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 support autistic youth in their journey to adulthood.
- Qualifications: Experience in vocational education and a passion for inclusive practice.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple locations in Brighton and Sussex.
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
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with vocational learning. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and share your passion for supporting autistic young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous work in vocational education. Include examples of successful programmes you've led or contributed to, especially those that align with the DFN Project SEARCH model.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research St John's College thoroughly and come prepared with ideas on how you can enhance their vocational learning offer. Think about innovative pathways you could develop and be ready to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application online via the recruitment portal. This ensures your application is considered, and it shows you're serious about joining our team at St John's College.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal - Vocational Learning in London
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 your genuine commitment to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in vocational education and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can lead innovative pathways, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 clarity as much as creativity!
Apply Online: Don’t forget to submit your application through our recruitment portal! It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, so make sure you follow this step to join our amazing team at St John's College.
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 the vocational learning staff.
✨Collaborative Spirit is Key
Since the role involves working across multiple sites, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborating with geographically dispersed teams. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure consistency and quality in vocational provision, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Passion for Inclusion
St John's College values inclusive practice, so convey your commitment to supporting autistic young people. Share personal anecdotes or professional experiences that illustrate your dedication to creating empowering environments for learners, which will align perfectly with their mission.
