Head of Aspire Centre

Shire plc; Brownhills; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community charity organization in Brownhills is seeking an ASPIRE Centre Manager. This role involves supporting vulnerable students, devising strategies for their progress, and managing the ASPIRE centre. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to safeguarding and improving the life chances of at-risk young people. The position offers a salary between £24,020 – £27,712 for a full-time, permanent role.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with safeguarding policies is essential.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Enjoy working with vulnerable students.

Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable and at-risk students.
• Devise impactful strategies for student progress.
• Manage the ASPIRE centre and oversee intervention programmes.

Skills

Assessment of learning barriers

Strategy development

Coaching and managing staff

Collaboration with agencies

Safeguarding policy familiarity

Job description

ASPIRE Centre Manager – Closing date: 9th December 2025. Salary: Grade 6 – £24,020 – £27,712 (actual salary). Hours: 37 hours per week, ( 8:30am – 4:30pm and Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. Contract type: Permanent. Reporting to: Assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral care.

Key Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable and at‑risk students by assessing their learning barriers and providing an alternative space and curriculum.
• Devise strategies that clearly impact student progress and access to education.
• Demonstrate determination for continuous improvement and social justice.
• Con to the pastoral team's strategy and leadership, supporting the aims and of the school.
• Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people so they can reach their full potential and improve their life chances.
• Manage the onsite ASPIRE centre – a detached classroom base where students who struggle in the main school setting receive support, with the centre being student‑facing and delivering aspects of the curriculum.
• Provide oversight of the ASPIRE interventions programme.
• Assess the needs of students who receive ASPIRE referrals and plan appropriate intervention programmes.
• Plan and oversee intervention timetables for ASPIRE mentors and associate heads of year.
• Coach and manage ASPIRE mentors, ensuring high‑quality interventions are delivered.
• Utilise existing school‑based systems and agencies (phase leaders, heads of year, associate heads of year, mentors) to coordinate support.
• Communicate with the wider school about students and their needs, influencing staff practice and providing training on working with these students.
• Manage the ASPIRE Centre daily, including the RESET room and ASPIRE room.
• Deliver interventions within the ASPIRE centre timetable.
• Collaborate with external agencies to review the quality of their provision, attendance and engagement.

Additional responsibilities

Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in line with Academy policies and the staff code of conduct. The postholder may be required to undertake any duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher.

Requirements

Pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, are required. Familiarity with safeguarding policy is essential. The applicant should enjoy working with vulnerable students and have a commitment to continuous improvement.

About Shire Oak Academy

Shire Oak Academy is a community secondary school in Walsall Wood, part of the Mercian Trust, offering a knowledge‑rich curriculum, extensive enrichment programmes and a supportive pastoral environment. The school’s ethos is built on the #BeIncredible campaign, promoting resilience, positive interaction and inclusive participation.