College Vice Principal / Deputy Head of College (SEN, Pastoral & Tutorial Lead)

Lifeworks Charity Limited; South Hams; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An inclusive educational charity in the South Hams is seeking a dedicated Vice Principal to lead its operations and pastoral efforts. This role involves developing student support systems, ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations, and shaping the college's strategic vision. The successful candidate will manage teams, develop educational programs, and serve as the DSL. This full-time position includes 37.5 hours per week with benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

50 days of annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Support for Disability Confidence

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within an educational setting.
• Understanding of safeguarding and SEND provisions.
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage pastoral and tutorial programmes.
• Lead day-to-day operations of the college.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Support curriculum development and strategic direction.

Skills

Operational leadership

Pastoral care

Safeguarding policies

Educational management

Job description

Closing date 8th January 2026

We are seeking a dedicated and operational Vice Principal to join our leadership team. Working alongside the Charity CEO & College Principal, you will be instrumental in shaping the vision of the College, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring every student achieves their full potential.

This is a unique opportunity for a leader who thrives on pastoral care, safeguarding, and operational management within a specialist setting. You will champion the needs of our students, ensuring they are supported from their transition from school right through to adulthood.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Pastoral Leadership

• Take full responsibility for the development and management of Pastoral and Tutorial programmes, ensuring a safe environment where students thrive.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the college, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Manage the transition of students—both responding to prospective student assessments and managing transitions out of FE into adulthood.
• Line manage College Tutors and lead regular team meetings to foster an open, positive culture.

Safeguarding & SEND (crucial to this post)

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the College and contribute to the Charity Safeguarding Forum.
• Serve as the College SEN Coordinator, maintaining ownership of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Act as the primary link to 0-25 Local Authority SEND teams, ensuring all statutory paperwork and reviews are completed timely.

Quality & Strategy

• Support the CEO & Principal in shaping the curriculum, staff development, and the college’s strategic direction.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, ESFA, and Local Authority requirements, including leading on the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plans.
• Deputise for the CEO & College Principal in her absence.
• Identify risks and implement control measures to ensure health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Working hours:

The hours for this role are 37.5 hours per week over 5 days, 52 weeks per year. You will receive 50 days’ (10 weeks) leave per annum to be taken outside of term time. Please note that there will be a requirement to take part in activities outside of your regular working hours, such as residential trips, DofE, or parents’ evenings.

At Lifeworks, we’re committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.