Job Role: Quality Improvement Manager (Education)
Teaching & Learning | Curriculum Quality | Prison Education Leadership
Location: HMP Pentonville
Salary: From £35,000 per annum + £5,000 London Weighting
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Role Overview
We are recruiting an experienced and ambitious Quality Improvement Manager (Education) to join the leadership team at HMP Pentonville.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Manager, Curriculum Manager, Teaching & Learning Manager, Education Manager or Quality Lead looking to play a pivotal role in improving educational outcomes within a prison education environment.
As Quality Improvement Manager, you will support the Education Manager in driving excellence across teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring learners receive an outstanding educational experience that supports rehabilitation, personal development and employability.
You will lead on curriculum quality, staff development, performance improvement and quality assurance activities, helping to shape a culture of continuous improvement across a diverse curriculum including vocational, creative and personal development programmes.
 
Key Responsibilities
Quality Improvement & Teaching Excellence

• Lead on Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (QTLA) across the education provision.
• Drive continuous improvement in learner achievement, retention and progression.
• Conduct observations, learning walks, deep dives and quality reviews.
• Support and coach teaching staff to improve classroom practice and learner outcomes.
• Develop and implement Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs).
• Promote outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices across all curriculum areas.

Curriculum Leadership & Operational Management

• Support the Education Manager with the day-to-day management of the education department.
• Lead curriculum delivery, learner engagement and departmental performance.
• Deputise for the Education Manager when required.
• Support learner induction, allocation and progression processes.
• Work across a broad curriculum including:
• Motor Mechanics
• Art
• Painting & Decorating
• Music
• Media
• Personal & Social Development
• Build effective internal and external partnerships that support learner success.

Performance & Curriculum Development

• Drive improvements in:
• Learner recruitment
• Attendance
• Retention
• Achievement
• Learner satisfaction
• Set and monitor staff targets in line with KPIs and contractual requirements.
• Support curriculum planning and development aligned to learner and employer needs.
• Work with awarding organisations to ensure programmes meet quality standards.
• Analyse learner and curriculum performance data to drive improvements.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Lead quality assurance activity across the provision.
• Manage IQA and EQA processes where appropriate.
• Contribute to:
• Self-Assessment Reports (SARs)
• Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
• Budget planning processes
• Monitor performance using management information and quality data.
• Ensure provision is inspection-ready at all times.

People Management & Staff Development

• Manage and support teaching and support staff through:
• Appraisals
• Probation reviews
• Performance management
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Mentor and induct new staff members.
• Identify development needs and coordinate training opportunities.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Support recruitment and workforce development activities.

Safeguarding, Compliance & Delivery

• Ensure delivery meets:
• Ofsted expectations
• Ministry of Justice requirements
• Awarding body standards
• Internal quality frameworks
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure compliance with all prison security procedures.
• Deliver teaching sessions where required.
• Provide curriculum cover and operational support when necessary.

 
Essential Criteria

• Teaching qualification at Level 5 or above (PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS, QTLS or equivalent).
• English and Maths qualifications at Level 3 or above.
• Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification, or willingness to achieve.
• Significant teaching experience within Further Education, Adult Learning or Vocational Training.
• Experience managing staff and supporting curriculum delivery.
• Proven experience driving quality improvement and learner outcomes.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Strong understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Experience analysing performance data and implementing improvement strategies.
• Commitment to using education as a tool for rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

 
Desirable Criteria

• Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager qualification.
• Experience working within prison education or adult learning environments.
• Experience leading curriculum quality reviews and improvement activity.
• Knowledge of vocational learning, employability and work-based learning programmes.
• Experience supporting inspection preparation and quality assurance frameworks.

 
 
How to Apply
For more information or to apply for the Quality Improvement Manager (Education) role, please contact:
Robert Rowe 07935 141342 rrowe@trigonrecruitment.co.uk