Head of Aspire Centre

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Walsall; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Walsall is seeking an ASPIRE Centre Manager to support vulnerable and at-risk students. The role involves managing a dedicated centre, leading a team of mentors, and implementing intervention plans. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and coaching skills along with experience in pastoral care. This permanent position offers a salary range of £24,020 – £27,712 and requires a commitment to safeguarding student welfare.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable, at-risk students or in a pastoral or support role.
• Strong assessment and intervention planning abilities.
• Leadership, management, and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the ASPIRE centre and deliver aspects of the curriculum.
• Assess student barriers and plan interventions for improvement.
• Provide leadership and coaching to ASPIRE mentors.

Skills

Experience working with vulnerable, at-risk students

Strong assessment and intervention planning abilities

Leadership, management, and coaching skills

Commitment to continuous improvement and social justice

Capacity to develop and maintain relationships with external agencies

Knowledge of safeguarding policy and relevant checks

Job description

ASPIRE Centre Manager

Closing date: 9th December 2025

• Salary: Grade 6 – £24,020 – £27,712 (actual)
• Hours: 37 hours per week (Term time, 39 weeks) – Monday‑Thursday 8:30‑16:30, Friday 8:30‑16:00
• Contract: Permanent
• Reporting to: Assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral care

Main responsibilities

The ASPIRE Centre Manager will work under the Assistant Headteacher, responsible for pastoral care, to support vulnerable and at‑risk students. Key duties include:

• Manage the ASPIRE centre, a small detached classroom base, delivering aspects of the curriculum and leading a team of mentors.
• Assess student barriers and plan interventions to improve progress and access to education.
• Provide leadership and coaching to ASPIRE mentors and associated heads of year.
• Oversee the Shire Oak ASPIRE interventions programme and timetable.
• Coordinate with wider school staff, Phase leaders, heads of year, and associate heads of year to integrate support.
• Engage external agencies to review quality of provision and student engagement.
• Safeguard and promote welfare of students in line with Academy policies and staff code of conduct.

Qualifications and skills

Applicants should have:

• Experience working with vulnerable, at‑risk students or in a pastoral or support role.
• Strong assessment and intervention planning abilities.
• Leadership, management, and coaching skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and social justice.
• Capacity to develop and maintain relationships with external agencies.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policy and relevant checks (Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service).

Additional information

Further details can be found on our website or by contacting the Headteacher’s PA at [e-mail].

EEO statement

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre‑employment checks include an enhanced disclosure and barring service check as a requirement of this post.

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.