At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new Alternative Education programme for young people and adults.
- Company: Petty Pool Trust, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and positive outcomes for learners.
- Why this job: Shape inclusive education pathways and transform lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme development and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 38613 - 43459 € per year.
LOCATION: Petty Pool College, Pool Lane, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2DR
REPORTS TO: Principal/Vice Principal
SALARY: £38,613 - £43,459 per annum.
HOURS: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm – 35 hours per week
DBS: Enhanced check required
About Petty Pool Trust
Petty Pool Trust is a specialist charity committed to empowering young people and adults with learning disabilities, difficulties, and complex needs to achieve meaningful and sustainable futures through education, community provision, and outdoor learning experiences.
Purpose of Role
This is a unique and ambitious opportunity to lead the development of a brand new Alternative Education offer from the ground up. We are seeking a dynamic, inspiring and entrepreneurial leader who can shape a high-quality, inclusive education pathway for some of the hardest-to-reach young people and adults in our region. The role will evolve in three distinct phases, and requires someone with the vision, flexibility, and operational know-how to build programmes from scratch, recruit and lead teams, secure premises, develop curriculum, and navigate funding requirements.
The Role is Split Across Three Key Areas:
- Alternative Provision (14–16)
- You will lead on establishing a bespoke alternative provision for KS4 learners, particularly those with EHCPs or emerging SEND needs who are at risk of exclusion or disengagement from school. This includes:
- Developing the intent, implementation and impact model for the provision.
- Setting up the programme and delivering it initially to ensure high-quality practice.
- Recruiting a delivery team and embedding a culture of inclusion and aspiration.
- Building relationships with local schools, SENDCos, and local authorities.
- Identifying funding opportunities and building a sustainable model.
- Promoting and marketing the provision to referral partners.
- NEET and 16–24 Alternative Study Programmes
- You will design and deliver a rolling-entry offer for young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), including those who have struggled to thrive in mainstream FE. This includes:
- Creating a flexible, barrier-aware curriculum and delivery model.
- Recruiting a new team and sourcing premises where appropriate.
- Embedding trauma-informed and inclusive approaches.
- Navigating DfE study programme funding and wider grants.
- Partnering with youth services, employers, and training providers.
- Adult Education (Age 25+)
- Once the 14–16 and 16–24 pathways are embedded, you will lead the development of adult education programmes, with a particular focus on adults with SEND and those seeking to return to learning. This includes:
- Tapping into the Adult Education Budget and other funding routes.
- Designing relevant, accessible courses that improve life outcomes.
- Partnering with community groups and employers to increase impact.
Who We're Looking For…
This is not a role for someone looking to maintain a status quo. We need a self-starter with energy, drive and a deep commitment to inclusive education. You will need:
- Proven experience of setting up new programmes or services.
- The confidence to recruit, lead and inspire a new team.
- A solid understanding of education funding models (DfE Study Programmes, AEB, EHCP placements).
- Strategic thinking with a hands-on, can-do mindset.
- The ability to build meaningful relationships with schools, funders, and community partners.
If you thrive on making things happen, breaking down barriers for young people and adults, and creating real-world opportunities for those often left behind, we’d love to hear from you.
This critical leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that all learners experience a high-quality, personalised provision that enables them to re-engage with education, achieve positive outcomes, and progress successfully into further education, employment, or training.
The postholder will be a key senior leader, responsible for building a culture of ambition, safeguarding excellence, high expectations, and continuous improvement across the Alternative Education service.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Organisational Impact
- Lead the strategic planning, design, and delivery of the Alternative Education programme in line with Petty Pool Trust’s mission, vision, and values.
- Embed a strong culture of learner-centred practice, pastoral care, safeguarding, and welfare across the provision.
- Establish clear, measurable goals for learner progress, personal development, and re-engagement outcomes.
- Represent the Alternative Education Service at senior leadership meetings, contributing to wider organisational development and strategic planning.
- Create strong links with wider community and educational partners, promoting Petty Pool Trust as a centre of excellence for inclusive education.
- Curriculum, Delivery, and Learner Progress
- Design a bespoke, engaging, and therapeutic curriculum tailored to meet the needs of disengaged and complex learners, including those with SEND, SEMH, and additional vulnerabilities.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning, pastoral support, and interventions that lead to demonstrable learner progress and social reintegration.
- Develop intervention strategies to support learners at risk of disengagement, including targeted academic, therapeutic, and behavioural programmes.
- Oversee learner assessment, tracking, and reporting systems to ensure accurate measurement of progress, achievement, and destinations.
- Safeguarding, Welfare, and Pastoral Care
- Maintain a robust safeguarding culture in line with statutory guidance (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education), ensuring all learners are safe, supported, and able to thrive.
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the provision, ensuring safeguarding incidents are managed effectively and promptly.
- Implement and oversee effective pastoral systems, behaviour support plans, and risk management strategies for all learners.
- Champion welfare, wellbeing, and inclusion across the service, ensuring learners’ individual needs are at the centre of planning and decision-making.
- Operational and Financial Management
- Manage the day-to-day operational delivery of the Alternative Education, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Lead and monitor all operational systems including timetabling, learner admissions, attendance monitoring, safeguarding recording, behaviour management, and quality assurance processes.
- Develop and manage the Alternative Education budget, ensuring resources are maximised and financial sustainability is maintained.
- Provide regular operational and financial performance updates to the Vice Principal and Senior Leadership Team.
- Staff Leadership and Development
- Recruit, lead, inspire, and develop the Alternative Education staff team, including teaching, support, and pastoral staff.
- Create a collaborative, high-performing culture underpinned by professional standards, reflective practice, and a relentless focus on learner impact.
- Deliver staff induction, training, and development programmes linked to safeguarding, pastoral support, SEND, and curriculum quality.
- Lead regular performance reviews, coaching, and professional development planning for the team.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, social care teams, parents/carers, and external agencies.
- Actively market and promote the Alternative Education, ensuring positive engagement, referral growth, and sustainable funding streams.
- Represent Petty Pool Trust at multi-agency meetings, panels, and strategic networks where appropriate.
- Quality Assurance, Reporting, and KPIs
- Develop and implement a quality assurance framework for the Alternative Education, aligned with Ofsted standards and Petty Pool Trust’s internal quality cycle.
- Produce an annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) for the Alternative Provision.
- Lead and coordinate internal quality assurance activities including lesson observations, learning walks, pastoral audits, and intervention reviews.
- Track, analyse, and report regularly on key performance metrics including:
- Learner attendance, engagement, progress, and destinations
- Pastoral, safeguarding, and behavioural interventions
- Staff performance and CPD impact
- Financial and operational efficiency
- Report quarterly to the Vice Principal and College Leadership Team on the performance of the Alternative Education against KPIs.
Head of Alternative Education in England employer: The Petty Pool Trust
Petty Pool Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. Located in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, the college offers a collaborative culture that prioritises professional development and innovation, providing staff with unique opportunities to lead transformative educational programmes while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our learners and experience the satisfaction of creating meaningful change in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Alternative Education in England
✨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 colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for alternative education shine through. Share your vision for creating inclusive pathways and how you plan to make a difference. Remember, they want someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d tackle challenges like funding or building relationships with local schools. Practise your responses so you can confidently demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on approach during the interview.
✨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 yourself fresh in their minds and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Alternative Education in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Alternative Education role. Highlight your experience in setting up new programmes and your understanding of education funding models, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for inclusive education! Share examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of young people and adults with learning difficulties. Let your passion shine through in your written application.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Petty Pool Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Petty Pool Trust's mission and values. Understand their approach to alternative education and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but genuinely passionate about their cause.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past where you've successfully set up new programmes or led teams. Highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on approach, especially in areas like curriculum development and funding navigation. Real-life stories will make your experience relatable and memorable.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can foster relationships with local schools, community partners, and funding bodies. Be ready to share your ideas on collaboration and how you would market the alternative education provision. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and ability to engage stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Innovation
Discuss your commitment to inclusive education and how you plan to create a supportive environment for learners with SEND. Share innovative ideas for curriculum design and delivery that cater to diverse needs. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but an advocate for all learners.
