At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist college supporting young adults with additional learning needs.
- Company: Join an ambitious education provider focused on growth and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £75,000, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young adults while shaping educational excellence.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLS or equivalent, with senior leadership experience in SEND education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 € per year.
Location: Walsall - West Midlands
Salary: Starting from £75,000 + benefits + bonus (DOE)
We are supporting a specialist post-16 education provider in the search for an experienced Principal / Head of College to lead a growing SEND provision supporting young adults with additional learning needs. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone with strong operational, educational, and safeguarding experience within a specialist education setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall day-to-day running of the college
- Drive quality, compliance, and inspection readiness
- Oversee curriculum delivery and learner outcomes
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture
- Build strong relationships with local authorities and external stakeholders
- Support the continued growth and development of the provision
Requirements
- QTS, QTLS, or equivalent teaching qualification
- Senior leadership experience within SEND, specialist education, or post-16 settings
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, SEND legislation, and inspection frameworks
- Experience managing teams, budgets, and operational performance
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Desirable
- Experience within start-up or growing education provisions
- Leadership qualification such as NPQH
- Experience working with EHCPs and preparation for adulthood pathways
Additional Information
- Enhanced DBS required
- Performance-related bonus available
- Excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Principal/ Head of College in Birmingham employer: Talent Haven
Join a forward-thinking specialist education provider in Walsall, where you will lead a dedicated team in delivering exceptional support to young adults with additional learning needs. Our inclusive and high-performing culture fosters professional growth, offering competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our learners. With strong ties to local authorities and a commitment to quality and compliance, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/ Head of College in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's current initiatives and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven quality and compliance in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers clear and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Principal role!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/ Head of College in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal / Head of College. Highlight your experience in SEND and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your operational and educational skills that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading a specialist college and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capability.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in building relationships with local authorities and external stakeholders. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated these connections in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Haven
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation and frameworks. Being able to discuss how these impact the college's operations will show that you're not just familiar with the requirements, but that you’re passionate about supporting young adults with additional learning needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think about specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or driven improvements in educational settings. This is your chance to demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with the college's vision and culture.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Research the local authorities and external stakeholders relevant to the college. If you can reference existing relationships or initiatives during your interview, it’ll show that you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running in building those connections.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially around safeguarding and compliance. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will highlight your operational expertise and commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment.
