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- Tasks: Lead the ASPIRE Centre, supporting vulnerable students and enhancing their educational experience.
- Company: Shire Oak Academy, a community-focused school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or mentoring, with a passion for supporting at-risk youth.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community that values inclusivity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 24020 - 27712 £ per year.
ASPIRE Centre Manager Location: Shire Oak Academy, Walsall Wood
Contract: Permanent – 37 hours per week (Term Time, 39 weeks)
Schedule: Monday – Thursday 8:30am‑4:30pm; Friday 8:30am‑4:00pm
Salary: Grade 6 – £24,020 to £27,712 (actual salary)
Closing date: 9th December 2025
Reporting to: Assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral care
Main responsibilities- Support our most vulnerable and at‑risk students by assessing barriers to learning and providing an alternative space and curriculum.
- Devise strategies that have a clear impact on students’ progress and ability to access education.
- Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and social justice.
- Contribute to strategy and leadership across the pastoral team supporting the aims and values of the pastoral offer.
- Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to ensure they reach their full potential and improve their life chances.
- Manage the onsite ASPIRE Centre – a small, detached classroom base for students struggling in the main school setting.
- Deliver aspects of the curriculum and lead a team of mentors.
- Oversee the Shire Oak ASPIRE interventions programme.
- Assess needs of ASPIRE‑referred students and plan appropriate intervention programmes.
- Plan and oversee intervention timetables for ASPIRE mentors and associate heads of year.
- Coach and manage ASPIRE mentors, ensuring quality interventions.
- Utilise existing school systems and agencies (phase leaders, heads of year, associate heads of year).
- Communicate with wider school staff to influence practice and provide training.
- Manage ASPIRE Centre daily – both the RESET room and ASPIRE room.
- Deliver interventions as required within the ASPIRE Centre timetable.
- Link with external agencies to review the quality of their provision, attendance and engagement.
The ASPIRE Centre Leader will safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow Academy policies and the staff code of conduct. The position requires an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Our Safeguarding Policy is available on the Academy website for applicants to review.
About Shire Oak AcademyShire Oak Academy is a community secondary school in Walsall Wood, part of the Mercian Trust. We invest in our staff and students, fostering relationships at the heart of our culture. Our ethos builds on #BeIncredible, encouraging positive interactions and learning from mistakes. We offer a knowledge‑rich curriculum, extensive enrichment and extracurricular programmes, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. We invite you to visit and discover what we have to offer.
Equal OpportunityShire Oak Academy is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age.
Head of Aspire Centre in Walsall employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Aspire Centre in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Shire Oak Academy through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experiences align with the role. We want to hear specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable students or led teams. Make it personal and impactful!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education and social justice during the interview. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in students' lives. Share your vision for the ASPIRE Centre and how you plan to make it thrive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows us that you’re enthusiastic about the position and appreciate the opportunity to connect.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Aspire Centre in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Aspire Centre role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable students and how you've made a difference in their educational journey.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting at-risk students shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to social justice and improving life chances for young people.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of Head of Aspire Centre inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting vulnerable students and managing interventions. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for helping at-risk students shine through. Share personal experiences or examples that demonstrate your commitment to social justice and continuous improvement in education. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage a team. Think about past situations where you've successfully supported students or led a team, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the current challenges the ASPIRE Centre faces or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values.
