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- Tasks: Lead and innovate ESOL curriculum for young people and adults, driving quality and employability skills.
- Company: Sheffield College, dedicated to transforming lives through inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, enhanced pension, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while promoting sustainability and green skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for curriculum development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with strong community partnerships and excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 51950 - 60224 £ per year.
About Us
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.
About the Role
As Academy Director for ESOL, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across curriculum for both programmes for young people and for adults. You will be responsible for driving quality, leading curriculum innovation and ensuring students develop the technical and employability skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. This is a permanent role. You will lead on how the Academy supports the achievement of the college’s five‑year strategic plan, including responding to priorities such as green skills and the sustainability agenda, supporting the region’s transition to a low‑carbon future.
From employer collaboration and curriculum reform to local labour market alignment and progression planning, your leadership will ensure the Academy remains agile, ambitious and responsive. The Academy delivers a wide range of full‑time and adult provision, including new technical qualifications, employer‑led initiatives and high‑quality work experience. You will also play a key role in preparing our young people aged 16‑18 for rewarding future careers, helping them build the knowledge, confidence and skills to progress into apprenticeships, employment or higher study. The role will involve close collaboration with our Apprenticeship+ lead, ensuring clear pathways into skilled trades and sustainable employment through well‑aligned programmes and employer partnerships.
With a dedicated team of curriculum managers and teaching staff, and strong external partnerships, the Academy is well positioned for its next stage of growth and development.
What We Can Offer You
As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of £51,950 – £60,224 per annum based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience that you can bring to the role.
Our Benefits
- Enhanced Pension contributions scheme with TPS - 28.68%
- Annual leave: 42 days (310.8 hours) + 8 bank holidays (59.2 hours) – includes a discretionary Christmas closure period
- Health and wellbeing:
- Employee assistance programme through Bupa
- Occupational Health through PAM
- Free eye tests for VDU users
- Free parking available at the majority of our campuses
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates which provides further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice. If you require any reasonable adjustments or any support at any point throughout the process, please contact us.
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, we are pledged to support the Armed Forces Community, recognising the value Personnel, Veterans and military families contribute to our community and country.
Safeguarding
We are an employer who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures. Further details on our safer recruiting procedures, including the employment of ex‑offenders, can be found here: Safeguarding.
Next Steps
To apply: Click apply online and follow the links to complete the online application. As a leader in diversity employer, we encourage applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 (We may decide to close the vacancy earlier if we receive a high number of applications.)
Job Details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Education
- Industries: Education
- Location: Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
Academy Director in Sheffield employer: The Sheffield College
Contact Detail:
The Sheffield College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Director in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to The Sheffield College. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's mission and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially around inclusivity and sustainability. We love candidates who are passionate about our goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've driven curriculum innovation or collaborated with employers. We want to hear how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at The Sheffield College.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Director in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! We want to see how you can transform lives through learning, so share your experiences and ideas that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Academy Director role. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and any relevant experience in curriculum innovation and employer collaboration.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements and qualifications are easy to spot. This helps us see your potential at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Sheffield College.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sheffield College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Academy Director role, especially around ESOL and curriculum innovation. Familiarise yourself with The Sheffield College’s mission and strategic plan, so you can demonstrate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in driving quality and fostering collaboration. Think about times you've successfully led teams or projects, especially those that involved curriculum reform or employer partnerships.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Since the college values inclusivity, be ready to discuss how you’ve promoted diversity in previous roles. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented to support diverse learners and how you plan to continue this at The Sheffield College.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the college's future. Inquire about their approach to green skills and sustainability, or how they envision the Academy evolving in response to local labour market needs.
