Head of School of Education

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary's University is seeking an exceptional and visionary academic leader to join us as Head of the School of Education. This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a high-performing School with a strong reputation for excellence in teacher education, innovative pedagogy, and impactful research. Recognised for its consistent Ofsted-rated "Outstanding" provision, the School of Education plays a leading role in developing reflective, values-driven educators who make a meaningful difference in schools and communities. Building on this success, the School is entering an ambitious phase of development - strengthening its research and knowledge exchange culture, expanding partnerships, and growing its academic portfolio.

The role of Head of School of Education offers a competitive salary and generous employee benefits package.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean of Faculty, the Head of School will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of School activity, including academic provision, staff management, student experience, and resource planning. You will be a key member of the Faculty Management Team, contributing to the delivery of Faculty and University strategy.

You will:

• Lead and manage the School as a dynamic academic community, committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and knowledge exchange.
• Sustain and enhance outstanding teacher education provision, ensuring continued excellence in outcomes, student experience, and Ofsted readiness.
• Deliver strategic growth, including home and international recruitment, new programme development, and enterprise opportunities.
• Drive the development of research and knowledge exchange, increasing outputs, impact, and readiness for REF, in collaboration with Faculty and University colleagues.
• Champion an excellent student experience, using insight from sector data (e.g. NSS, Graduate Outcomes, PTES/PRES) to inform continuous improvement.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff, including workload allocation, performance review, and talent management within a supportive and inclusive culture.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships, including with schools, professional bodies, policymakers, and international collaborators.
• Manage School resources and budget effectively, ensuring delivery of agreed KPIs and strategic priorities.

Candidate Summary

You will be an established academic leader with a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. You will bring:

• A proven track record of academic leadership and successful team management, with the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
• Significant experience in teacher education, including knowledge of Ofsted requirements and inspection processes.
• A strong profile in teaching and learning, alongside an emerging or established record of research and/or knowledge exchange.
• Experience of curriculum innovation, domestic and international partnership development, and growth, including internationalisation and recruitment.
• The ability to manage resources and budgets effectively within a complex higher education environment.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and to the University's core values of respect, generosity of spirit, inclusion and excellence.

Candidates are advised to submit applications early to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date.

Closing Date: 4th August 2026 at 23:00

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 24th August 2026