Overview
This is a unique and ambitious opportunity to lead the development of a brand new Alternative Education offer from the ground up. We are seeking a dynamic, inspiring and entrepreneurial leader who can shape a high-quality, inclusive education pathway for some of the hardest-to-reach young people and adults in our region. The role will evolve in three distinct phases and requires vision, flexibility and operational know‑how to build programmes from scratch, recruit and lead teams, secure premises, develop curriculum and navigate funding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Alternative Provision (14‑16) – Lead the establishment of a bespoke alternative provision for KS4 learners, particularly those with EHCPs or emerging SEND needs who are at risk of exclusion or disengagement. This includes developing the intent, implementation and impact model; setting up the programme; recruiting a delivery team and embedding a culture of inclusion and aspiration; building relationships with local schools, SEND cos and local authorities; identifying funding opportunities and building a sustainable model; promoting and marketing the provision to referral partners.
* NEET and 16‑24 Alternative Study Programmes – Design and deliver a rolling‑entry offer for young people aged 16‑24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), including those who have struggled to thrive in mainstream FE. This includes creating a flexible, barrier‑aware curriculum and delivery model; recruiting a new team and sourcing premises; embedding trauma‑informed and inclusive approaches; navigating DfE study programme funding and wider grants; partnering with youth services, employers, and training providers.
* Adult Education (Age 25+) – Lead the development of adult education programmes after 14‑16 and 16‑24 pathways are embedded, focusing on adults with SEND and those seeking to return to learning. This involves tapping into the Adult Education Budget and other funding routes, designing relevant, accessible courses that improve life outcomes, and partnering with community groups and employers to increase impact.
* Strategic Leadership and Organisational Impact – Lead strategic planning, design and delivery of the Alternative Education programme in line with the trust’s mission, vision and values; embed a strong culture of learner‑centred practice, pastoral care, safeguarding and welfare; establish clear, measurable goals for learner progress, personal development and re‑engagement outcomes; represent the service at senior leadership meetings; create strong links with wider community and educational partners.
* Curriculum, Delivery and Learner Progress – Design a bespoke, engaging and therapeutic curriculum tailored to disengaged and complex learners; ensure high‑quality teaching, learning, pastoral support and interventions; develop intervention strategies to support learners at risk of disengagement; oversee learner assessment, tracking and reporting systems.
* Safeguarding, Welfare and Pastoral Care – Maintain a robust safeguarding culture; act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead; implement and oversee pastoral systems, behaviour support plans and risk management; champion welfare, wellbeing and inclusion.
* Operational and Financial Management – Manage day‑to‑day operational delivery; lead and monitor operational systems including timetabling, admissions, attendance, safeguarding recording, behaviour management and quality assurance; develop and manage the budgets; provide regular operational and financial performance updates to leadership.
* Staff Leadership and Development – Recruit, lead, inspire and develop the Alternative Education staff team; create a collaborative, high‑performing culture; deliver staff induction, training and development programmes; lead performance reviews, coaching and professional development planning.
* Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships – Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, social care teams, parents/carers and external agencies; market and promote the provision; represent the trust at multi‑agency meetings and strategic networks.
* Quality Assurance, Reporting and KPIs – Develop and implement a quality assurance framework; produce annual Self‑Assessment Report and Quality Improvement Plan; coordinate internal quality assurance activities; track, analyse and report regularly on key performance metrics such as learner attendance, progress, staff performance, financial efficiency and more.
Qualifications and Experience
* Significant senior leadership experience in alternative provision, SEND, SEMH, youth engagement or education.
* Proven success designing and delivering alternative education programmes for disengaged or vulnerable young people.
* In‑depth knowledge of safeguarding, pastoral care and welfare best practice in educational settings.
* Expertise in curriculum design, teaching, learning, assessment and progress tracking frameworks.
* Strong leadership, staff management and team development skills.
* Financial management experience including budget planning and reporting.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building abilities.
* High‑level written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing performance reports and improvement plans.
* Clear commitment to inclusion, learner‑centred practice and improving outcomes for disadvantaged young people.
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent. (D)
* Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to undertake). (D)
Benefits
* On‑site parking
* Company sick pay (after passing probationary period)
* Employee Assistant Programme
* Free meals when commuting by car sharing, walking or cycling
* Bike rack
* Eye care vouchers
* Company pension
* Smart casual dress code
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