Head of Department - Additional Learning Support

Wirral Metropolitan College; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A further education institution in the UK is looking for an experienced Head of Department for Additional Learning Support. This full-time position involves leading a team to manage and provide essential support for students, especially those with high needs. The ideal candidate should have postgraduate qualifications in individual assessment and a recognized teaching qualification. Offering a competitive salary and various benefits, this role is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes at the college.

Benefits

Outstanding facilities

Enhanced annual leave

Flexible work approach

Paid DBS checks

Pension contributions

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in individual assessment at or equivalent to level 7.
• Full recognized teaching qualification is essential.
• Successful practice in assessing, teaching, and supporting learners with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Support effective leadership and management of the ALS department.
• Identify learners who require additional support.
• Ensure high-quality provision to meet individual needs.

Skills

Postgraduate qualification in individual assessment

Full recognized teaching qualification

Experience in assessing, teaching, and supporting learners with SEND

Experience in leading staff teams

Job description

Head of Department - Additional Learning Support

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Department to join our Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team. This is a full‑time role, working 35 hours per week, with a salary of £47,469 – £55,001 per annum. The role will commence early June 2026.

Why Join Us?

At Wirral Metropolitan College our purpose is to provide inclusive, high‑quality education and training opportunities to meet the aspirations of students and the needs of the local community.

To achieve our purpose, we live our values:

• We are Ambitious
• We are Resilient
• We are Inclusive
• We are Empowering
• We are Accountable

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Department will work closely with the Director of Specialist Provision and Support to support the effective leadership and management of the Additional Learning Support department. The department’s core function is to identify learners and apprentices who require additional support and to ensure appropriate, high‑quality provision is in place to meet individual needs and remove barriers to achievement. The role will also play a key part in ensuring that students with High Needs are accurately identified, appropriately supported, and consistently monitored across the college to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Skills and Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in individual assessment at or equivalent to level 7, in accordance with JCQ regulations for assessing the need for examination access arrangements
• Full recognised teaching qualification
• Successful practice in assessing, teaching and supporting learners and apprentices with SEND or additional learning needs
• Experience of leading staff teams successfully

Benefits

• Outstanding facilities in state‑of‑the‑art environments
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and leave
• DBS checks completed and paid for by the employer
• Company is committed to CPD
• Flexible approach to work
• Pension employer contribution rates currently at 28.6%
• Access to free car parking (subject to availability)

If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via our application form.

Safeguarding and Equality

Wirral Metropolitan College 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. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a record check from the Disclosure and Barring Services before the appointment is confirmed. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Wirral Metropolitan College is actively committed to maintaining an environment which promotes and embeds equality, diversity and inclusion as a core value and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The college ensures the principles of the Equality Act 2010 are adhered to and all job applicants and employees are treated equitably.