Virtual School Head at Islington Council
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Virtual School Head with senior leadership experience and a substantial track record of success to join our ambitious and vibrant Virtual School Team. As the Virtual School Head you will have the opportunity to advise, guide, support and challenge schools, social workers, carers and partners to secure the best possible educational, training and employment outcomes for children and young people in the care of the local authority, those previously in our care, those with a kinship carer and children with a social worker.
The post holder will have experience and confidence in working with senior leaders in schools, partners in social care and young people, to promote and support the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and young people aged 4 to 25. They will have demonstrated strong and effective leadership in a school or a local authority senior role and have a passion for promoting the outcomes of children and young people.
The successful post holder will have excellent communication skills and the drive and creativity to support vulnerable children and young people in educational settings and those out of education, employment or training and will be able to demonstrate the impact of their leadership on improved educational outcomes for children and young people. The post holder will have an excellent understanding of the social care and educational legislation pertinent to vulnerable children and young people, particularly those known to children’s social care.
Joining the teams in Children’s services, supporting schools and academies across Islington you will work closely with the senior management team within Children’s Social Care and the Learning and Achievement service. You will manage and deploy the Virtual School team including three Deputy Heads, Advisory and Support Teachers, Education, Employment and Training Advisers and Business Support Officers.
Closing Date
Monday 12th January 2026
Interviews
Thursday 22nd January 2026.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support.
About You
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive. To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful and empowering—spelled out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
* Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
* A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
* Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
* Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
* Excellent local government pension scheme
* Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
* Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges.
Pre-Employment Checks
* Proof of address
* Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
* Right to work in the UK
* Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
* Satisfactory references
* Occupational Health clearance
* Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
* DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with children/adult barred list, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
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