ASPIRE Centre Manager

Shire plc; Walsall; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A secondary school in Walsall is seeking an ASPIRE Centre Manager to develop support for vulnerable and at-risk students. Responsibilities include managing the ASPIRE Centre, devising strategies for educational access, and leading a team of mentors. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to social justice and the ability to assess and address student needs effectively. This role is essential for ensuring students reach their full potential.

Benefits

Supportive school community

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in pastoral care or educational support.
• Strong determination for social justice.
• Ability to assess student needs and develop appropriate interventions.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop support for vulnerable students.
• Devise impactful strategies for educational access.
• Oversee the ASPIRE interventions programme.
• Manage the daily operations of the ASPIRE Centre.

Skills

Support vulnerable students

Strategy development

Continuous improvement

Team management

Communication

Job description

About the Role

The ASPIRE Centre Manager, under the direction of the Assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral care, will develop and manage support for vulnerable and at‑risk students.

Responsibilities

• Support our most vulnerable and at‑risk students by assessing their barriers to learning and providing an alternative space and curriculum.
• Devise strategies that have a clear impact on students' progress and ability to access their education.
• Demonstrate determination for continuous improvement and social justice.
• Contribute to strategy and leadership across the pastoral team supporting the aims and values of the pastoral scheme.
• Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to ensure they reach their full potential and improve their life chances.
• Manage the onsite ASPIRE centre, a small, detached classroom base for students who are struggling in the main school setting, delivering curriculum and leading a team of mentors.
• Oversee the Shire Oak ASPIRE interventions programme.
• Assess the needs of students who receive ASPIRE referrals and plan an appropriate programme of intervention.
• Plan and oversee appropriate intervention timetables for the ASPIRE mentors and associate heads of year.
• Coach and manage the ASPIRE mentors, ensuring quality interventions are being delivered.
• Utilise the school‑based systems and agencies already existing within the school, including phase leaders, heads of year, associate heads of year and mentors.
• Communicate with the wider school about students and their needs, influencing the practice of other staff and providing support and training of how to work with the students in the wider school.
• Manage the ASPIRE Centre daily – both the RESET room and ASPIRE room.
• Deliver interventions as required within the ASPIRE centre timetable.
• Link with external agencies to review the quality of their provision, attendance and engagement.

Additional Responsibilities

The ASPIRE Centre Leader will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow Academy policies and the staff code of conduct. The role may also include other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher.

Discretionary Checks

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from the school or by visiting www.crb.gov.uk.

About the School

At Shire Oak Academy, we invest in you and support you to reach your potential. We are a community secondary school in Walsall Wood committed to inclusivity and a strong ethos built upon #BeIncredible. Relationships matter and are at the heart of what we do. We offer a knowledge‑rich curriculum, extensive enrichment and extra‑curricular programmes, and modern facilities. Join us on an exciting journey as we work to empower our students and staff alike.