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 dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEND education and foster an inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLS or equivalent, with senior leadership experience in SEND.
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 Walsall employer: Talent Haven
At Talent Haven, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of our staff. Located in Walsall, our specialist college provides a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality education to young adults with additional learning needs, while enjoying competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a commitment to ongoing development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/ Head of College in Walsall
✨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 the hiring team is really looking for.
✨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 goals.
✨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 seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/ Head of College in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in SEND and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
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:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it’s improving learner outcomes or driving compliance, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
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 your leadership style and decision-making will show that you're not just familiar with the requirements, but that you genuinely care about the students' needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or managed operational performance. Highlighting your experience in driving quality and compliance will demonstrate that you have what it takes to lead a college effectively.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Research the local authorities and external stakeholders relevant to the college. If you can mention any existing relationships or how you plan to build them, it will show that you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially around safeguarding and curriculum delivery. Practising your responses to these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills clearly during the interview.
