Deputy principal - curriculum, quality and performance

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Principal to drive curriculum strategy, quality and performance across a diverse and ambitious College.

This role is to provide the strategy of all provision types — 14–16, 16–19 study programmes (including NEETs), adult learning, leisure learning, higher education, apprenticeships, work-based learning and international programmes.

You will lead the curriculum planning, growth and innovation, ensuring programmes are high-quality, financially sustainable and aligned to local, regional and national skills priorities.

Championing outstanding teaching, learning and assessment, secure quality assurance, and ensure the College is inspection-ready across all frameworks.

Leading digital, data and AI-enabled practice, strengthening the use of technology to enhance quality, efficiency and student experience.

The role includes senior campus leadership, operational oversight, and responsibility for building strong employer and stakeholder partnerships. Contributing to capital development planning, budget management and strategic decision-making at Executive level, acting as a key representative for the Group.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level education and a teaching qualification.
• Significant senior leadership experience in FE, sixth form or HE.
• Proven success in curriculum strategy, quality improvement and performance at scale.
• Strong understanding of labour market intelligence, employer-led planning and Ofsted EIF.
• Experience with HE quality assurance and regulatory expectations.
• Confident use of data to drive improvement and assurance.
• Experience leading digital and AI-enabled practice.
• Financial acumen and experience managing substantial budgets.
• A credible, values-driven leader with strong people and change-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience across multiple provision types and multi-campus environments.
• Postgraduate or senior leadership qualification.
• Experience securing Outstanding/Exceeding Expectations outcomes.
• Experience of digital or AI-enabled curriculum transformation.