Head of Education Programmes for Young People

Head of Education Programmes for Young People
£60,000
Manchester with regional travel
Full Time – Permanent
Role Purpose:
We are looking for an exceptional leader with a strong educational background to take on the strategic and operational leadership of our education programmes for young people. This is a critical leadership role that demands a deep understanding of curriculum design, pastoral care, safeguarding, and quality assurance within a multi-site educational environment.
You will be responsible for driving forward the quality of study programmes across centres, ensuring compliance with the latest Ofsted framework and DfE expectations. With regular travel expected (up to 4 days per week) across centres in Greater Manchester and across the region, this is a hands-on role with real impact.
Duties:

• Provide strategic leadership across the young people's education provision, including oversight of study programmes and pastoral development.
• Lead curriculum innovation and quality improvement aligned with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
• Ensure a robust safeguarding and inclusion culture is embedded across all delivery centres.
• Drive performance, manage budgets and contracts, and support income generation through strategic growth opportunities.
• Lead, support, and develop teams across centres to foster a high-performing, learner-focused culture.
• Maintain readiness for inspections and audits; lead the production of Self-Assessment Reports and Quality Improvement Plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, funders, and partners to enhance service offer and learner outcomes.

About You:
You are a visionary and experienced education professional, ideally with PGCE, CertEd or equivalent teaching qualifications. You will be passionate about the development of young people, with the skills to blend academic rigour with practical delivery across multiple sites. Your understanding of the current education policy landscape (DfE, Ofsted) will be essential in driving continued excellence and innovation.
Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong background in education leadership, preferably with teaching qualifications (PGCE, CertEd, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead and manage curriculum design, safeguarding, and quality assurance frameworks.
• A strong understanding of Ofsted and DfE requirements, with experience leading readiness for inspections.
• Demonstrable experience in financial and operational leadership in a multi-site education environment.
• Committed to inclusion, learner development, and the wider pastoral responsibilities of education.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Due to the nature of this role, you will need to have access to your own vehicle, and you will undertake an enhanced DBS if successful in the role.

If you’re an educational leader ready to take on this pivotal role and help shape the future of our young learners, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV to be considered.

This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Please be aware we receive a high volume of applications and regularly receive applications from candidates who exceed the job credentials. We will only contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview.
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