Deputy Director of Education in Wolverhampton

The City of Wolverhampton is ambitious for its children, young people and families. We are proud of our diverse communities, our strong school partnerships, and our commitment to providing high‑quality inclusive education for every child. As we continue our transformation journey, we are seeking an exceptional and visionary Deputy Director of Education to help lead this vital agenda.

This is a unique opportunity to join our senior leadership team and play a strategic role in securing excellence and inclusion across early years, schools, post‑16 and alternative education provision.

As Deputy Director of Education, you will:

• Lead the strategic development of education services.
• Continue to drive improvement across all education settings to raise attainment and promote inclusion to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
• Ensure the delivery of high‑quality, effective and inclusive education services, meeting statutory responsibilities and national standards.
• Strengthen partnerships and collaboration by working closely with all partners including school leaders, governors, academy trusts, diocesan bodies, Ofsted, Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner.
• Champion fair access, inclusion and high expectations across all schools and providers.
• Shape and deliver transformational change by translating strategic ambitions from the Council’s Strategic Executive Board into operational delivery.
• Lead education-related transformation programmes that improve outcomes, maximise value for money and ensure integrated working across education, health and social care.
• Provide senior leadership across the Council and represent the Council at regional and national forums.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of Families as required.
• Oversee key services including Education Excellence, Early Years, SEND and Inclusion, School Organisation and Adult Education College.

You will be a highly experienced education leader with:

• Substantial senior management experience in a large and complex organisation.
• A strong track record of driving improvement across education services.
• A deep understanding of schools, settings and the needs of diverse communities.
• Experience of managing change, transformation and high‑performance cultures.
• The ability to navigate political environments with tact and credibility.
• Degree-level education and evidence of ongoing professional development.

You will also bring exceptional communication, partnership and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire confidence at every level — from school leaders to elected members and across the wider public sector.

Wolverhampton is a confident, forward‑thinking council that embraces innovation, modern working practices and a strong culture of collaboration. We are committed to:

• Raising educational excellence.
• Supporting the most vulnerable.
• Championing inclusion and fairness.
• Creating pathways into skills, further education and employment.
• Embedding restorative and whole-family approaches.

You’ll join a team that values fresh thinking, ambition and a relentless focus on delivering great outcomes for our children and young people.

First stage Interviews will take place on the Monday 22nd June 2026 and consist of the following:

• Stakeholder Interview.
• Technical Panel Interview.

Successful candidates following first stage interviews will be invited to participate in a Children’s Panel on Monday 29th June 2026.

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Alison Hinds at alison.hinds@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Hayley Pincher at Hayley.Pincher@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

For full details of the responsibilities and requirements of this role please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Our status as a Disability Confident Employer showcases our commitment to people with disabilities or health conditions, advocating for their opportunities and potential.

We've received the Stonewall Gold Award, emphasising our dedication to the LGBT+ community by nurturing an inspiring, inclusive, and equal workplace.

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the essential criteria for the post.

We encourage, inspire and value an inclusive culture here at the council where employees can flourish, thrive and be themselves.