Director of Education – Newfriars College, Stoke on Trent

Natspec Association; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a Director of Education to provide strategic leadership and drive innovation in curriculum for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to inclusion, and experience in building partnerships to enhance learner opportunities. This role offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape the future of education in a vibrant college environment.

Benefits

Dynamic and supportive Executive Leadership Team

Opportunities for curriculum innovation

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in FE, SEND, or inclusive education.
• Track record of delivering high-quality education.
• Ability to build strong partnerships for learner opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development for diverse learner needs.
• Set strategic goals for teaching, learning, and outcomes.
• Deliver quality education for learners with SEND.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Advocacy for inclusion

Curriculum development

Job description

Director of Education – Newfriars College, Stoke on Trent

The Director of Education will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for Newfriars College. The postholder will be responsible for the quality of education, learner experience, curriculum development, staff leadership, and external engagement.

Job title: Director of Education – Newfriars College, Stoke on Trent

Salary: SPOT Salary £90,000

Hours: Full time

Main geographical location of role: Stoke on Trent

Closing date: 16 October 2025

Where do applicants need to apply (preferred option): https://newfriarscollege.schoolrecruiter.com/jobseekers/job/director-of-education-1508008/?lang=en-GB

Job Description

Newfriars College is seeking an exceptional Director of Education to lead our specialist provision into its next exciting chapter of growth and innovation.

This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership role in a vibrant and inclusive college, shaping an ambitious educational vision and driving outstanding outcomes for young people with SEND.

We are looking for a strategic thinker, inspirational leader, and passionate advocate for inclusion. You will bring proven senior leadership experience, a track record of delivering high-quality provision, and the ability to build strong partnerships that widen opportunities for learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development to ensure it meets the diverse needs of learners, focusing on life skills, employability, preparation for adulthood and wellbeing
• Set and communicate strategic goals for teaching, learning, and student outcomes
• Deliver high-quality, inclusive education for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including therapies.
• Lead the continued development of Newfriars College as a nationally recognised centre of excellence for specialist education.
• Advocate the Trust’s mission, vision and values in all aspects of leadership, culture and delivery.
• Provide inspirational leadership to staff, learners and stakeholders, fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusion, and high expectations.
• Drive a strong focus on employment pathways, employer engagement, and real-world progression, placing meaningful destinations at the heart of the curriculum.
• Lead the strategic development and launch of new alternative provision offer for learners, ensuring a clear focus on engagement, progression, and outcomes.
• Build external partnerships that widen opportunities and improve long-term life chances for learners.
• Contribute to the broader strategic direction of Newfriars Trust as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

Qualifications: QTS is not required – we welcome applications from senior leaders across FE, SEND, and inclusive education.

What we offer

• Lead a thriving, sector-leading college with national recognition.
• Drive innovation in curriculum, employability, and progression.
• Work alongside a dynamic and supportive Executive Leadership Team.

Newfriars College aims to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16–25.

We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.

Our College works in partnership with Shaw Education Trust who believe that “every young person can achieve great things, whatever their abilities and whatever their background”.

We are driven by our vision for a society in which young people with disabilities are able to realise their potential and are given the skills, support and assurance to have a better future.