Deputy Head of College – Work Based Learning Programme
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Recruitment Business Partner at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
Deputy Head of College– Work Based Learning Programme
Location: Please note, this role will be based across the different Orchard Hill College regions, and travel between sites will be required.
Starting: January 2026 or sooner if possible.
Salary: £55,490-£70,843 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance (Lecturer and Management Pay Scale, Spine Points 19 – 29).
Orchard Hill College (OHC) is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life‑changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community‑based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our leadership team as Deputy Head of College for Work Based Learning (WBL). In this pivotal role, you will play a key part in shaping and driving the College’s strategic vision for employment pathways. Working closely with the Director of Work Based Learning, you will have a peripatetic presence across our college regions, ensuring consistent excellence in delivery and alignment with our mission. As Deputy Head, you will also provide vital leadership and operational support, deputising for the Director when required and contributing to the continued growth and success of our work‑based learning provision.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage a high‑quality educational environment for students on work based learning programmes, including functional skills, with barriers to learning including special educational needs and disabilities including, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
* Ensure the college sustains its outstanding Ofsted rating.
* Responsible for the safeguarding of young adults.
* Ensure that the college centres meet their statutory duties as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice.
* Keep abreast of developments within education and the special needs sector at local, national, and international level, in particular to employment and careers development.
* Represent the College on local authority, commissioning groups and other stakeholder forums such as the supported internship steering groups and SEND employment forums.
* Responsible for the management of all qualifications for students across the college.
* Lead on the Management and control of risks.
Key Requirements:
* Dipl in Education and Training or equivalent.
* Proven ability to lead on and model exemplary teaching practice and develop high quality coaching and training across centre.
* An outstanding teacher with proven ability to demonstrate and lead outstanding classroom practice and innovating curriculum development and implementation.
* Evidence of successful experience as a manager in one or more settings, especially specialist SEND settings.
* Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of current statutory and compliance matters and regional and local landscapes, policy, and legislation. Ability to interpret and advise effectively.
* Communicate a clear vision, ethos, and strategy to a range of audiences and stakeholders, including outside the Centre and College.
Benefits:
* Comprehensive training and development.
* Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks.
* Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme).
* Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental‑health first aiders.
* Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period.
* As part of your contract of employment you will be enrolled into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family.
* Enhanced parental leave schemes.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Season ticket loans.
* Home electronics scheme.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Administrative, General Business, and Education. Industries: Education, Primary and Secondary Education, and Higher Education.
Closing Date: 3rd December 2025
Interviews will take place on: The Week Commencing 8th December 2025
Safeguarding Statement
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust 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.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
Visits to the College in advance of applications are encouraged.
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