Assistant principal - foundation learning & support

Assistant Principal - Foundation Learning & Support

Application Deadline: 26 June 2026

Department: Foundation Studies

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Hugh Baird College - Main Campus

Compensation: £65,988 - £69,084 / year

Description

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Principal - Foundation Learning & Support. This is a pivotal role at an exciting time in our journey, as we implement a new and ambitious strategic plan aimed at strengthening our position as a leading further education provider.

Our college is proud to be Ofsted Outstanding, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education and transforming lives. With growing student numbers, a thriving curriculum offer, and deep roots in our community, we are a college where innovation, inclusion, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for inclusive learning across the College, ensuring that all learners—particularly those with SEND, high needs, additional learning needs, apprentices requiring support, and those at risk of becoming NEET—are supported to thrive, achieve and realise their full potential regardless of barriers.
• Lead the College’s transition in response to SEND reforms, embedding a fully inclusive, well-sequenced and responsive curriculum model across all provision, including across the wider college provision, bespoke high needs and supported learning programmes, Foundation Studies, apprenticeships and adult provision.
• Main responsibility for Additional Learning Support (ALS), high needs and care support provision, statutory SEND compliance and the delivery of high-quality inclusive teaching, learning and assessment within the scope of the role.
• Drive a culture in which the College is recognised as an inclusive, diverse and high-performing organisation where all learners succeed.

Essential Criteria

• A degree or equivalent.
• A Cert Ed or equivalent.
• Significant leadership experience of leading within the Further Education & Skills sector.
• Proven track record in delivering strong outcomes for learners with SEND and high needs, those who might be disadvantaged and face barriers to learning and vulnerable learners.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive and adaptive teaching practices, the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and curriculum co-design across a range of curriculum.
• Good understanding of post 16 technical and vocational education.
• Strong and proven leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to analyse data and drive performance improvement.
• Ability to lead cultural and organisational change.

Benefits

Why Join Hugh Baird College?

When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development, and recognition. Here are some of the benefits available to you:

Generous holiday allowance

Up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working options depending on the business need, which can provide a better work-life balance for our employees.

Medicash

Access to Medicash’s health plans which are designed to look after you and your family by boosting your access to treatment and support.

Pension Scheme

You will have access to two of the best pension schemes in the country, the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes, depending on your role with us.

Professional Development

We are committed to providing continual professional development, with both formal and informal opportunities designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and career growth.

Industrial Commercial Updates

Our teachers receive 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation to visit with a view to bringing new innovative ideas back to the College.

Reward and Recognition

Our 'Get Recognised' employee reward scheme enables continuous acknowledgement of employee contributions, and our annual staff celebration event highlights colleagues who consistently embody our values.

Lifestyle Fitness Gym

You will have discounted access to our fully-equipped and modern on-campus Lifestyle Fitness gym.

Health and Wellbeing

You will have opportunities to take part in staff groups such as yoga, walking and meditation. You will also have access to Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Travel

You can take advantage of discounted rail travel or bus travel, interest‑free season ticket loans for public transport services and free on-campus parking.

Retail Discounts

You will have access to offers to cashback and discounts at well‑known retailers.

Blue Light Card

You may be eligible to apply for a Blue Light card, giving you access to exclusive discounts.