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- Tasks: Lead educational transformation and inclusion strategies for Plymouth City Council.
- Company: Join Plymouth City Council, a values-driven organisation focused on improving education and community outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with strong partnerships and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while shaping the future of education in a vibrant city.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong background in education, inclusion, or SEND services, with leadership experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 17th August; be part of a transformative journey!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join a values-driven council on an ambitious journey of transformation.
Plymouth City Council is seeking an exceptional education leader to shape the next chapter of our improvement and transformation agenda. As our new Service Director for Education, Participation and Skills, you’ll join a united Children’s Services directorate committed to delivering real, sustainable change across education, SEND, and inclusion.
This is a pivotal time to join us.
Following our recent inspection, we’ve been released from our DfE improvement notice—reflecting tangible progress and growing confidence in our leadership. Now, we’re entering Year 1 of a bold three-year transformation plan with education and inclusion placed firmly at the centre.
Working closely with our Director of Children’s Services, you will:
- Lead our local area SEND strategy and delivery plan, with a revised strategy due by April.
- Drive forward key priorities around inclusion, NEET and home-educated children, and reducing exclusions.
- Strengthen and grow our education partnerships across a complex, evolving school system—maintained schools, special provision, and a dynamic trust landscape.
- Lead delivery of national reforms in a fully integrated ‘One Children’s Services’ context, ensuring education plays a central role.
- Build on strong foundations with our three local universities and grow opportunities to raise aspirations and strengthen place-based planning.
- Navigate and manage a tight but balanced education budget through to 2025/26, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
This role offers a genuine opportunity to drive forward place-based educational improvement with real system leadership influence—across education, health, and care. You will work in a forward-looking, child-centred environment, supported by strong partnerships, high levels of political support, and a commitment to inclusive outcomes.
About You
You’ll be an ambitious strategic leader with a deep commitment to children and young people. You will bring a strong track record in education, inclusion or SEND services, ideally within a complex or multi-agency system. You’ll be able to work across organisational and professional boundaries, confidently manage relationships with MATs and schools, and lead with empathy and clarity in a fast-paced and evolving system.
You’ll need to be confident engaging with elected members, working collaboratively with the wider council and health system, and influencing regional and national partners. If you can bring ambition, energy, and a collaborative mindset, you will thrive in Plymouth.
Why Plymouth?
We are a resilient, connected, and child-focused city. Our services are improving, our partnerships are maturing, and we are serious about delivering transformation that lasts. You’ll find a warm welcome, a senior team that works together, and the space to grow your national profile as a visible and influential education leader.
For further information or to apply, please visit: www.proudofplymouth.co.uk or contact:
- Helen Alwell – 07931 543 313 – helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk
- or Anita Denton – 07725 554 802 – anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 17th August
Recruitment timeline
- Closing date: Midnight Sunday 17th August
- Longlist meeting (candidates not required to attend): Friday 22nd August
- Technical interviews / written and numerical tests online: Friday 29th August
- Shortlist meeting (candidates not required to attend): Friday 5th September
- Assessment Centre – in person in Plymouth: Tuesday 16th September
- Final Panel (Chief Officer Appointment Panel) – in person in Plymouth: Friday 26th September
To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only.If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contactabbie.hamilton-grant@tile-hill.co.uk
Applications should include:
- Full contact details;
- Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
- Details of your current salary and notice period
- Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please emailinclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.
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Service Director - Education, Participation and Skills employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Education, Participation and Skills
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Plymouth City Council's recent inspection results and the improvements made. Understanding the context of their transformation agenda will help you align your vision and demonstrate how your leadership can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Plymouth City Council, especially those in education roles. They can provide insights into the council's culture and priorities, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for improving SEND services and inclusion. Highlight your experience in managing complex educational systems and how you can drive forward the local area SEND strategy effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate across various sectors by preparing examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to strengthen education partnerships within Plymouth's evolving school system.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Education, Participation and Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of Plymouth City Council.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be concise yet comprehensive. Address the key criteria outlined in the job description, using specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your achievements and suitability for the role.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and relevant. Highlight your leadership experience in education, inclusion, or SEND services, and make sure it does not exceed four sides of A4 as specified in the application guidelines.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Submit your documents as two separate files, including your CV and supporting statement, and ensure all required information, such as referees and availability, is included.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
✨Understand the Transformation Agenda
Familiarise yourself with Plymouth City Council's transformation plan and recent inspection outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for education, SEND, and inclusion.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your track record in leading educational initiatives, particularly in complex or multi-agency environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and drive change effectively.
✨Engage with Key Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with elected members, schools, and health systems. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration and can navigate these relationships to achieve educational improvements.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your experience managing budgets and identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency. This role requires a balance between financial management and educational priorities, so showcase your skills in this area.
