Head of Additional Learning Support

Central Bedfordshire College; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave + bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Bedford College Group is seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support to lead ALS delivery across the College, ensuring high‑quality, inclusive support aligned to SEND Code of Practice, Ofsted EIF and strategic priorities. You will oversee EHCP planning, review provision and outcomes, manage QA processes, and lead ALS staff development while safeguarding and promoting learner achievement.

The role is based in Dunstable with a focus on Strategic Leadership, Partnerships with Local

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a SEND‑related field with a teaching qualification.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and High Needs funding.
• Significant experience leading teams in FE, coaching and developing staff.
• Experience with Ofsted, QA processes and funding compliance.
• Excellent communication and partnership skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & SEND Provision – Lead and manage ALS delivery across the College, ensuring high‑quality, inclusive support aligned to SEND Code of Practice, Ofsted EIF and College strategic priorities.
• Learner Outcomes & EHCP Delivery – Oversee planning, coordination and review of SEND and EHCP provision, ensuring Section F compliance and driving strong outcomes in achievement, retention, independence and progression.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement – Implement robust QA processes including observations, audits and performance reviews, using data to drive measurable improvements and ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
• Staff Leadership & Workforce Development – Lead, develop and performance manage ALS staff, ensuring effective recruitment, training, deployment and a consistent culture of high‑quality practice.
• Resources, Funding & Partnerships – Manage High Needs funding, budgets and resource allocation, while working collaboratively with curriculum teams, Local Authorities and external partners to enhance provision and learner outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Education

SEND-related degree

Teaching qualification

Job description

Location: Dunstable

Salary: Between £47,972 and £62,099 per annum DOE and Qualifications

Expires: 08/09/2026 23:59

Role: Head of Additional Learning Support

Location: Dunstable and Shuttleworth

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £47,972 and £62,099 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 35 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, Teacher’s pension / Local Government Pension Scheme, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

About The Role

We are currently seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support to join our Foundation Learning and Additional Learning Support department at The Bedford College Group.

• Strategic Leadership & SEND Provision – Lead and manage ALS delivery across the College, ensuring high‑quality, inclusive support aligned to SEND Code of Practice, Ofsted EIF and College strategic priorities.
• Learner Outcomes & EHCP Delivery – Oversee planning, coordination and review of SEND and EHCP provision, ensuring Section F compliance and driving strong outcomes in achievement, retention, independence and progression.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement – Implement robust QA processes including observations, audits and performance reviews, using data to drive measurable improvements and ensure compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
• Staff Leadership & Workforce Development – Lead, develop and performance manage ALS staff, ensuring effective recruitment, training, deployment and a consistent culture of high‑quality practice.
• Resources, Funding & Partnerships – Manage High Needs funding, budgets and resource allocation, while working collaboratively with curriculum teams, Local Authorities and external partners to enhance provision and learner outcomes.

About You

• Qualifications & SEND Expertise – Degree or equivalent in a SEND‑related field with a teaching qualification, underpinned by strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and High Needs funding.
• Leadership, Management & Staff Development – Significant experience leading teams in FE, coaching and developing staff, delivering training and driving improvements in teaching, learning and support practice.
• Teaching, Learning & Inclusive Practice – Extensive experience supporting diverse learner needs, embedding inclusive strategies across provision and promoting participation, independence and achievement.
• Quality Assurance, Data & Compliance – Strong understanding of Ofsted, QA processes and funding compliance, with the ability to analyse data, manage risk and drive continuous improvement in learner outcomes.
• Strategic Leadership, Partnerships & Professional Practice – Collaborative and strategic leader with excellent communication skills, able to work across departments and with external partners, uphold safeguarding, EDI and professional standards, and manage competing priorities effectively.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held

10 June 2026

Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College,a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for MotorsportalongsideSilverstonerace circuit.To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Safeguarding our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.

Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.