Head of Service - Quality Education in Swindon

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

In Swindon, we are committed to making ambitious improvements across all of our children’s services and nothing is more important for our children than to grow up in a borough where learning at all levels is outstanding. We have made considerable progress and are ensuring in phase 3 of our Transformation plan that we are more integrated in our thinking and more joined up across all our partners. We believe that our education settings aren’t just buildings; they are the beating heart of our communities, shaping and empowering young minds. Our vision is clear and bold: Every child, every day, in a good school, safe and well.

This role places you at the heart of our wider transformative effort across our children’s services to improve young lives across the borough, aligning with Swindon’s goals to promote well-being, quality education, and sustainable development.

About the Role

Our new Head of Service - Quality Education will play a vital role in implementing Swindon’s education strategy across early years, primary, secondary, post-16, and alternative provision services. The role also encompasses the management of partnerships with over 88 schools, 600 early years settings, and responsibilities related to school quality, governance, leadership, and outcomes.

• Driving excellence: Lead initiatives that enhance educational standards, ensuring every child has access to exceptional learning environments and supporting Swindon’s ambitions for a fairer and better future.
• Strategic leadership: Collaborate across Children’s Services and Skills Swindon partnership to drive forward our inclusive education agenda, strengthening partnerships with education, health, and social care bodies.
• Professional development: Foster educator growth by facilitating access to training and resources that empower teachers to deliver high-quality education.
• Collaboration and innovation: Develop integrated working models with schools, parents, health, and community partners, promoting an inclusive and community-centred approach.

About You

You bring a strong foundation in educational leadership with experience driving improvement and change. Your skills in building partnerships and community engagement are matched by a commitment to inclusion and an ability to deliver innovative education solutions that meet diverse needs. We seek a leader who shares Swindon’s vision and is prepared to champion the priorities of the Swindon Plan, which include fostering fair opportunities for all, enhancing quality of life, and creating a sustainable environment.

Your leadership will support projects and priorities such as new school placements for children with special educational needs and local youth initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children facing socio-economic challenges.

Why Swindon?

Swindon is a borough that embraces diversity, with a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and backgrounds represented in our schools. We serve a community, where high aspirations meet the realities of areas of significant deprivation. While some children face hurdles like low attendance and lower education outcomes, their potential is limitless—and it’s our mission to help them unlock it. We’re proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary and are committed to creating a sense of community and belonging for all our residents.

Swindon Borough Council is deeply committed to its transformation journey within Children’s Services. As Head of Service, Quality Education, you’ll have a significant role in reshaping the borough’s educational landscape, working alongside OFSTED, DfE, and local providers to achieve these goals. Our commitment to making Swindon a fairer, better, and greener place to live and learn means you will be part of a dynamic community focused on impactful, sustainable progress.

Be a catalyst for change. Apply today to become our next Head of Service - Quality Education and help shape a brighter future for our children.

Your next package:

• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 (eligibility criteria applies)
• Competitive salaries
• Free car parking at our central Swindon campus and easy commuter links to many locations

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work-life balance.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.