Head of education

Head of Education Location: Minehead, Somerset Salary: £57,127 – £64,691 (L5–L10) Contract: Permanent, Full Time Hours: 40 per week

The settings

A specialist college and training hotel for young people with learning disabilities, based Minehead. This is a unique and inspiring environment where students develop the life and hospitality skills they need to become work ready and life ready. The college is known for its warm culture, high aspirations and commitment to transforming the lives of young adults with SEND.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Education to provide both strategic and operational leadership across the college’s education provision. This is a key senior role, responsible for driving high quality teaching, learning, curriculum design and student outcomes.

Working closely with the Principal, you will set a clear and ambitious direction for the education team, ensuring consistent delivery through strong systems, effective leadership and a culture of high expectations.

You will lead the development of an inclusive, well sequenced curriculum that enables learners with SEND to achieve meaningful outcomes aligned to their EHCPs and Preparing for Adulthood goals. You will also play a central role in continuous improvement, staff development and ensuring that education remains innovative, responsive and aligned with the college’s wider vision.

The role also carries strategic oversight of safeguarding within education, ensuring student welfare is prioritised in every aspect of practice.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Cert Ed or PGCE with QTS or QTLS
• Degree or equivalent relevant qualification
• Level 2 English and Maths
• Senior leadership experience within an education setting
• Strong understanding of high quality education, including curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment
• Experience working with learners with SEND, including EHCPs and Preparing for Adulthood outcomes
• Proven ability to lead curriculum development and improve outcomes
• Experience in quality assurance, self assessment and improvement planning
• Strong people management skills, including staff development and performance management
• Secure knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and statutory requirements
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Postgraduate or leadership qualification
• Experience in a specialist or post 16 SEND setting
• Experience of leading through inspection or external review
• Knowledge of funding and compliance within specialist education

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead education within a truly unique specialist setting, making a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people with learning disabilities. You’ll join a passionate, supportive team and play a pivotal role in driving excellence across the college.