At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist college supporting young adults with additional learning needs.
- Company: Join an ambitious education provider making a real difference.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £75,000, performance bonus, and great benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND education and foster inclusive learning environments.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLS or equivalent, with senior leadership experience in SEND.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 € per year.
About the Job
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 employer: Talent Haven
At Talent Haven, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Located in Walsall, our specialist college offers competitive salaries starting from £75,000, along with performance-related bonuses and comprehensive benefits. We are committed to the professional growth of our staff, providing ample opportunities for development within a dynamic and ambitious organisation focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of young adults with additional learning needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/ Head of College
✨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, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's current initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their mission and ready to tackle their specific needs head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences managing teams and driving educational outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/ Head of College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal/Head of College role. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit!
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 aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in operational and educational settings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications 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 you’ve applied this in previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but also the practical implications.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience, especially in a specialist education setting. Think of specific examples where you've driven quality and compliance, and be ready to explain how you foster a positive culture among staff and students.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Research the local authorities and external stakeholders relevant to the college. Mentioning any prior connections or understanding of their needs can set you apart as someone who’s proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a crisis or improving learner outcomes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively during the interview.
