Head of Education
Location: Ipswich
Salary: Up to £55,000pa Benefits
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Education to provide strategic leadership across a growing portfolio of government-funded education programmes, including Study Programmes, Supported Internships, and SEND provision.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious education professional with a strong understanding of Further Education funding, quality assurance, curriculum development, and operational management.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping educational strategy, driving learner success, managing high-performing teams, and ensuring outstanding quality across the organisation’s provision.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a clear vision and strategy for education delivery and growth.
• Identify opportunities to expand educational provision and respond to emerging learner and employer needs.
• Provide expert leadership on government-funded education programmes and funding requirements.
• Support organisational growth through effective planning, innovation, and partnership development.
• Contribute to senior leadership decision-making and strategic planning.

Operational Management

• Lead and manage education teams across multiple sites and programmes.
• Ensure resources, budgets, staffing, and curriculum delivery are effectively managed.
• Drive performance against learner recruitment, retention, achievement, attendance, and progression targets.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.
• Promote consistently high standards across all areas of delivery.

Quality & Curriculum

• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Drive outstanding teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
• Ensure provision is always inspection-ready and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee curriculum development across Study Programmes, Supported Internships, and SEND provision.
• Utilise learner, stakeholder, and performance data to drive improvement and innovation.

Safeguarding & Learner Welfare

• Champion a culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Support teams in managing complex learner welfare concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities are embedded across all programmes.
• Promote positive learner experiences and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, local authorities, funding bodies, education partners, and community organisations.
• Represent the organisation at local, regional, and national events.
• Enhance organisational reputation through strong partnerships and positive learner outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support growth and development.

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in a senior education leadership role
• Proven experience managing Further Education, Study Programmes, Supported Internships, or SEND provision
• Strong knowledge of ESFA-funded programmes and compliance requirements
• Experience leading multi-site teams and driving operational performance
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and people management skills
• Experience preparing for inspections, quality reviews, or audits
• Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office and education management systems

Desirable Qualifications:

• Level 5 Management Qualification (or above)
• PGCE, Certificate in Education, or equivalent teaching qualification
• TAQA or relevant quality assurance qualification
• Relevant vocational qualification
• Extensive experience within Further Education or Independent Training Providers

What We’re Looking For:
The ideal candidate will be:

• An inspirational and visible leader.
• Passionate about learner success and social impact.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Committed to continuous improvement and educational excellence.
• Strategic in thinking while remaining operationally focused.
• Highly organised with excellent analytical and decision-making abilities.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to influence and shape educational strategy.
• Senior leadership role with significant autonomy and impact.
• Lead innovative programmes that transform learners’ lives.
• Work alongside experienced education and quality professionals.
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development.

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply please contact Tiff Bennett on 07593 692814 or email tbennett@trigonrecruitment.co.uk