Course Leader
Department: Foundation Learning
The Opportunity
Based in our Foundation Learning department, you will take responsibility for leading and managing a range of programmes that re-engage and inspire young people aged 16–18. You will oversee the design and delivery of courses that support our learners in building confidence, developing skills and achieving their goals, whether that is further education, apprenticeships, or employment. Alongside this, you will line manage and guide teachers, verifiers, progress tutors and support workers, ensuring the highest standards across teaching, learning and pastoral support.
You will take a hands-on approach in developing new courses, creating engaging learning materials and applying innovative methods of delivery. A key part of your role will be to monitor student progress, attendance and achievement, using data and insights to drive continuous improvement. You will also contribute to learner recruitment by supporting enrolment, interviews and promotional activities.
Beyond the classroom, you will play an active role in enrichment, planning and leading trips, visits and residentials that help young people develop wider life skills. You will also work closely with partners and external organisations, building strong collaborations that enhance the learner journey and add value to the curriculum.
This is a great opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team, bringing your own ideas to course design, teaching methods and enrichment activities. The role gives you the scope to be creative in your approach, while also providing the professional satisfaction of seeing measurable progress in your learners.
About You
In this role, you will need to be both a strong educator and a confident leader. You should have a minimum of two years’ experience teaching students on FE programmes, along with at least one year of experience supporting a Course Leader in the management of an FE programme. A teaching qualification such as PGCE, Cert Ed or DTLLS would be an advantage, but you will also be considered if you are willing to work towards one.
You will bring a clear understanding of the requirements of a study programme for FE, as well as a good knowledge of FE quality assurance processes. You will be able to give clear, constructive feedback to students that supports their learning, motivates them to improve, and helps them achieve their goals.
You will also understand the pastoral needs of learners, especially those who may be disengaged or facing barriers to education. Resilience, empathy and strong interpersonal skills will be key to supporting students with challenging behaviours and helping them to progress.
Creativity and problem-solving will be central to your approach, as you will often need to find innovative ways to engage learners. You will also be confident in leading and motivating a team, setting high expectations and supporting colleagues to deliver excellent teaching and learning.
Most importantly, you will bring passion, commitment and energy to your work, making a lasting impact on your learners and contributing to the success of the Foundation Learning department.
Reasons to join us
• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 55 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 15th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .