Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Location: Exeter
Closing Date: 30/06/2025
About the role
We’re looking for an outstanding and ambitious educational leader to become the next Principal of InFocus College – one of the UK’s most specialist further education colleges.
Based in Exeter, InFocus College supports young people aged 16–25 with vision impairment and complex needs. Our personalised, person-centred programmes help students develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to lead fulfilling adult lives.
As Principal, you’ll play a key leadership role across the organisation, guiding the college on its journey from good to outstanding. You’ll set strategic direction, lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team, champion high standards, and promote our unique offer to partners and commissioners across the UK.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a truly specialist setting – one where inclusion, dignity and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do.
About you
We’re looking for a compassionate, visionary leader who’s passionate about inclusive education and has the energy and drive to lead a high-performing team.
You’ll need leadership experience in a SEND, special school, or inclusive FE setting, along with a deep understanding of the needs of young people with vision impairment, complex needs, or PMLD. Excellent communication and people skills are essential, as is the ability to inspire and influence others. You should also have a strong grasp of preparation for adulthood and the ambition to help students thrive beyond college. Strategic thinking and operational confidence are key—you’ll be just as comfortable in the classroom as you are presenting to commissioners or trustees.
Whether you’re already a Principal or a Deputy ready for your next step, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information about the role, please see the application pack below.
How we say “thank you”
* Six weeks annual leave plus eight bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time hours)
* Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
* Paid medical appointments
* Comprehensive training and development
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Enhanced maternity pay
* Long Service Awards
* Access to discounted shopping
* On-site free parking
* 24-hour employee assistance programme
* “Death in service” life assurance and group accident cover
* Free flu vaccinations
* Cycle to Work Scheme
About our application process
Please complete our application form (CVs alone will not be accepted) and return it to us by 10am on Monday 30th June 2025. When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification in the application pack and include information that shows your suitability for the role.
Interviews and assessments will take place on 8th or 9th July 2025 on site at InFocus Charity in Exeter. Please ensure you are available for the full day.
We are hoping for someone to join us as soon as possible and no later than January 2026.
Interested? We strongly encourage visits or informal chats before applying. Contact Amanda Gorfin, PA to CEO, on 01392 454201 or by email .
Equality, diversity and safeguarding
We are a disability friendly employer and actively encourage candidates with a disability to apply. If you need support with completing your application form, please contact our HR team
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are conditional to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS), satisfactory medical check, references and evidence the right to work in the UK.
Staff have a responsibility to inform InFocus of any conviction or prosecution that occurs whilst employed.
It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and adults at risk.
To be eligible for this position, we require candidates to either hold British citizenship or have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor applications from candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
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