At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate adult education, shaping curriculum and building employer partnerships.
- Company: Isle of Wight College, a dynamic institution focused on adult skills development.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, excellent pension, free gym access, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming adult education and empowering learners.
- Qualifications: Experience in curriculum management and a passion for coaching and collaboration.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values diversity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 49000 ÂŁ per year.
Isle of Wight College
Full-time | 39 hours per week | AP14 - ÂŁ47,846 - ÂŁ57,105 | Newport campus | Job share possibility
Wellbeing Support: Free Breakfast Items in staff rooms, Staff awards to recognise staff demonstrating the College values, Special celebrations to support staff such as summer Buffet and Christmas lunch, onsite salon offering a variety of hair and beauty treatments discounted for staff, onsite Starbucks, free parking, generous staff development support, blue light, Cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies to support staff.
Are you a bold, creative leader with a passion for transforming adult education? Ready to shape the skills future of the Island and build powerful employer partnerships? If you’re excited by innovation, thrive on challenge, and love seeing learners succeed — this might be your next big adventure.
Why This Role Matters
Adult education is changing fast — and so are we. At The Isle of Wight College, we’re expanding our adult skills and employer-responsive curriculum, and we need a Head of Learning who can bring energy, ideas and strategic strength.
You’ll lead a high-performing area where curiosity, creativity and coaching are central to how we work. This role has real influence: shaping curriculum, building employer links, driving growth, and ensuring outstanding teaching and learning. This isn’t a “keep the ship steady” job. It’s a “take the wheel and chart the course” opportunity.
What You’ll Lead
As our new Head of Learning, you will:
- Drive an ambitious adult skills & business development curriculum that meets community and employer needs
- Inspire and coach talented staff, nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
- Champion outstanding teaching, learning and assessment across your area
- Grow provision and revenue, designing both funded and commercial opportunities
- Build strong employer partnerships and shape responsive training offers
- Ensure excellent student outcomes, from retention to progression
- Represent the college with confidence, collaboration and an entrepreneurial mindset
If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them. If you’ve got drive, we want to see it. If you’ve got passion, we’ll help you turn it into impact.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who is:
- A confident leader with experience managing curriculum areas to a high standard
- Skilled in designing innovative, employer-responsive programmes
- A natural collaborator who thrives on building relationships with staff, students, partners and stakeholders
- Data-savvy, strategic and able to turn insights into action
- A coach at heart — supportive, reflective, and able to bring out the best in others
- Highly organised, positive, and ready to drive meaningful change
You’ll also hold relevant teaching and leadership qualifications or be willing to work towards them.
What we can offer
Employees at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work-life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to 35 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, and benefit from a Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long-term financial security.
For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on-site gym. Convenience is provided with free on-site parking, and the campus boasts a on-site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.
Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes. The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources.
Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well-being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.
Ready to Apply?
Please ensure your CV and cover letter are uploaded to your application via Isle of Wight Jobs. You can also submit your CV and Cover Letter by emailing Recruitment@iwcollege.ac.uk.
The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high-quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.
Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly.
The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Locations
Head of Learning - Adult Skills and Business Development in Newport, Wales employer: The Isle of Wight College
Contact Detail:
The Isle of Wight College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning - Adult Skills and Business Development in Newport, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your ideas on transforming adult education. Talk about how you can drive growth and build those all-important employer partnerships. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Interviews can throw curveballs, so practice answering tricky questions about leadership and innovation. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in coaching and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning - Adult Skills and Business Development in Newport, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Learning role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative programmes you've designed that meet employer needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for adult education and how you plan to drive growth and inspire your team. Be bold and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use data and examples to demonstrate how you've positively impacted student outcomes and built strong employer partnerships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Isle of Wight College
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the adult skills and business development curriculum. Familiarise yourself with current trends, employer needs, and innovative teaching methods. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can drive growth in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire and coach staff. Think of specific examples where you've nurtured a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. This is your chance to show how you can lead a high-performing team.
✨Build on Employer Partnerships
Be ready to talk about your experience in building strong relationships with employers. Highlight any successful partnerships you've developed and how they’ve benefited both the organisation and the learners. This will show your ability to create responsive training offers.
✨Bring Data to the Table
Demonstrate your data-savvy skills by preparing insights from previous roles. Discuss how you've turned data into actionable strategies that improved student outcomes. This will illustrate your analytical mindset and ability to drive meaningful change.