Head of Department – Additional Learning Support

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

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking an experienced Head of Department for Additional Learning Support. This full-time position involves overseeing a team to support learners requiring additional assistance. The ideal candidate will possess a postgraduate qualification in assessment, a full teaching qualification, and experience with students with special educational needs. Benefits include enhanced leave, a generous pension contribution, and a commitment to continuous professional development. The role starts in June 2026, based in Birkenhead.

Benefits

Outstanding facilities

Enhanced annual leave

Family friendly policies

Paid DBS checks

Commitment to CPD

Flexible work approach

Pension contribution of 28.6%

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in assessment at level 7 following JCQ regulations.
• Recognised teaching qualification required.
• Successful experience in assessing and supporting learners with SEND or additional needs.
• Experience in successfully leading staff teams.

Responsibilities

• Support effective leadership and management of the Additional Learning Support department.
• Identify learners needing additional support and ensure appropriate provision.
• Monitor support and outcomes for students with High Needs.

Skills

Postgraduate qualification in individual assessment

Full recognised teaching qualification

Experience assessing and supporting learners with SEND

Experience of 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. This role will be commencing early June 2026.

Why Join Us?

At Wirral Metropolitan College our purpose is to provide inclusive, highest‑quality education and training opportunities to meet the aspirations of students and the need 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 feel you have the necessary skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via our application form.

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 welcome 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