About Barnet and Southgate College
We change lives, empower individuals and connect communities. We are an ambitious, forward‑thinking further education college in North London, proud to serve diverse communities across Barnet, Southgate and beyond. Our 2030 Vision is bold: to be a leading provider of learning and skills development, fostering exceptional educational experiences, driven by innovation, collaboration and excellence. Our ESOL provision at Colindale sits within a wider Essential Skills offer and is one of the most community‑facing parts of what we do. The learners we serve are varied, the needs are real and the stakes are high. You will be joining a College that takes this work seriously, supports its leaders well and gives you the authority and backing to lead with confidence.
What You'll Be Doing
* Line‑manage, coach and develop ESOL curriculum staff, setting high expectations, managing performance effectively and building a motivated team with a common sense of purpose.
* Lead the development of a responsive, innovative ESOL curriculum that meets the needs of diverse learner groups – 16‑18 EPfY, adult learners and newly arrived 14‑16 year olds including those seeking sanctuary – drawing on up‑to‑date research, flexible delivery models and a deep understanding of local and regional priorities.
* Set and monitor challenging improvement targets, lead developmental lesson observations and learning walks, and use quality reviews, learner voice and data to drive effective improvement strategies.
* Ensure every learner is placed on the right course, supported through purposeful ILPs and academic tutoring, and progressing towards their goals – whether that is further study, employment or wider participation.
* Lead the self‑assessment process and quality improvement planning for the ESOL area, contributing to broader Essential Skills quality assurance and inspection readiness.
* Build strong relationships with external partners, community organisations and employers, keeping the curriculum grounded in local and regional need and supporting learner access and progression.
* Contribute to College‑wide management responsibilities, including duty rotas, strategic planning and cross‑college initiatives as required, and deputise for the Director of Essential Skills when needed.
What You'll Bring – Essential
* A degree or equivalent relevant professional qualification
* A full teaching qualification
* Subject specialism in ESOL, with successful teaching experience
* Proven leadership or management experience in FE or a similar setting
* Successful experience of embedding quality improvements and delivering improved outcomes for learners
* Demonstrable knowledge of strategies, based on research, that improve student learning in ESOL
* Deep understanding of local and regional priorities and the communities ESOL provision serves
* Experience of working with diverse learner groups including 16‑18, adult and newly arrived learners
* Experience of successful curriculum development and management of provision and new initiatives
* Experience of using and interpreting MIS data to monitor and manage provision
* Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with external partners and community stakeholders
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
* Ability to lead and motivate a team, manage performance and tackle underperformance effectively
* Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding
Even Better If You Have
* A management qualification
* Qualified Teaching and Learning Status (QTLS)
* Experience working with newly arrived learners and those seeking sanctuary
* Understanding of the current 14‑19, adult skills and HE landscape
* Experience developing income‑generating full‑cost activity
* Experience of Ofsted preparation, self‑assessment or quality improvement planning
What Makes This Role Different
* Provision that genuinely matters: learners include some of the most marginalised in our communities – newly arrived young people, sanctuary seekers, adults re‑entering education. The impact of strong leadership here is profound.
* Breadth and variety: leading across 16‑18, adult and 14‑16 learner groups within a single provision gives this role an unusual richness – no two cohorts are the same and no single approach fits all.
* Grounded in community: Colindale is one of North London's most diverse areas. Your understanding of local need and your community relationships are as important here as your curriculum expertise.
* Real leadership authority: High‑trust, high‑support ways of working, backed by a Director of Essential Skills who values professional expertise and gives their managers the space to lead.
* Career development: Clear routes into wider senior leadership, with access to coaching, CPD and leadership development.
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance of 40 days annual leave for academic management staff plus bank holidays
* Early career support package “Taking Teaching Further” for eligible new teachers in T Level pathway subjects and Maths, English and SEND subjects
* Targeted retention payments for FE teachers in specific subjects
* Annual Season Ticket Loans for permanent or contract staff with at least a 12‑month contract, payable in monthly salary sacrifice installments
* Cycle to Work Scheme – tax‑free bikes through participating shops
* Employee Support Helpline – confidential counselling and advice available 24/7
* Reimbursement of eye tests for DSE users
* Free flu vaccination voucher for staff
* Gym facilities at the Southgate Campus – cardio, strength and conditioning equipment, free use Monday‑Friday during term time
* On‑site hair salon services and beauty treatments with staff offers
* High‑street discounts for teachers through a dedicated shopping benefits website
* Electric vehicle charging points on all campuses, supporting sustainable commuting
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