Head of Department - ESOL

Hugh Baird College; Sefton; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible Working

Medicash

Pension Scheme

Professional Development

Staff benefits

Job summary

Hugh Baird College in Liverpool seeks a Head of Department in ESOL to provide strategic leadership and management of ESOL provision. This 0.4 FTE post leads a high-performing curriculum area, working with the Director to ensure a quality learner experience and curriculum development aligned to college priorities.

The role focuses on delivering outstanding teaching, learning and assessment, with 2 days per week and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification with a recognised teaching qualification.
• Proven experience leading curriculum quality improvement.
• Experience in managing staff performance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to develop curriculum and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to high standards and learner outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the ESOL department to meet College objectives and performance targets.
• Drive quality improvement activities to secure outstanding teaching, learning, assessment and learner outcomes.
• Monitor curriculum performance using data and QA processes to identify and implement improvements.
• Support the development of curriculum plans and future provision in response to learner, community and employer needs.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to enhance learner opportunities and progression.
• Manage departmental resources and budgets effectively while supporting College-wide priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Staff management

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Education

Degree & teaching qualification

Job description

Head of Department - ESOL

Application Deadline: 7 October 2026

Department: English, Maths & ESOL

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Hugh Baird College - Main Campus

Compensation: £45,526 - £47,645 / year

Description

Head of Department: ESOL Balliol Road Campus, Liverpool Part-Time, Permanent (0.4 FTE) 2 days per week, 7.4 hours per day £45,526 to £47,645 per annum FTE Up to 50 days holiday + Statutory bank holidays (pro rata) Teachers' Pension Scheme Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits

Join an Outstanding Team

At Hugh Baird College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider, we are committed to inspiring, challenging and transforming lives. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a workplace where ideas are valued, creativity is nurtured and professional growth is supported.

About the Role

We are seeking a Head of Department in ESOL to provide strategic leadership and effective management of our ESOL provision.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing curriculum area, driving excellent outcomes for learners through outstanding teaching, learning and assessment. You will work closely with the Director of English, Maths & ESOL to ensure a high-quality learner experience, support curriculum development and contribute to achieving the College's strategic priorities.

This role is offered on a 0.4 FTE basis, working 2 days per week (7.4 hours per day). We can be flexible regarding the working days to accommodate the successful candidate; however, one of the working days must be a Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the ESOL department, ensuring delivery against College objectives and performance targets.
• Drive quality improvement activities to secure outstanding teaching, learning, assessment and learner outcomes.
• Monitor curriculum performance, using data and quality assurance processes to identify and implement improvements.
• Support the development of curriculum plans and future provision in response to learner, community and employer needs.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff to ensure high standards of performance and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to enhance learner opportunities and progression.
• Manage departmental resources and budgets effectively while supporting College-wide priorities.

Desirable Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Proven experience of leading curriculum quality improvement and managing staff performance.
• Strong understanding of teaching, learning, assessment and quality assurance within Further Education.
• Experience of analysing performance data and implementing strategies to improve learner outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to high standards, innovation and delivering an exceptional learner experience.

Please see the job description and person specification for the full criteria.

Benefits

Why Join Hugh Baird College?

When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development, and recognition. Here are some of the benefits available to you:

• Generous holiday allowance
  Up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.
• Flexible Working
  We offer flexible working options depending on the business need, which can provide a better work-life balance for our employees.
• Medicash
  Access to Medicash’s health plans which are designed to look after you and your family by boosting your access to treatment and support.
• Pension Scheme
  You will have access to two of the best pension schemes in the country, the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes, depending on your role with us.
• Professional Development
  We are committed to providing continual professional development, with both formal and informal opportunities designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and career growth.
• Industrial Commercial Updates
  Our teachers receive 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation to visit with a view to bringing new innovative ideas back to the College.
• Reward and Recognition
  Our 'Get Recognised' employee reward scheme enables continuous acknowledgement of employee contributions, and our annual staff celebration event highlights colleagues who consistently embody our values.
• Lifestyle Fitness Gym
  You will have discounted access to our fully-equipped and modern on-campus Lifestyle Fitness gym.
• Health and Wellbeing
  You will have opportunities to take part in staff groups such as yoga, walking and meditation. You will also have access to Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Travel
  You can take advantage of discounted rail travel or bus travel, interest-free season ticket loans for public transport services and free on-campus parking.
• Retail Discounts
  You will have access to offers to cashback and discounts at well-known retailers.
• Blue Light Card
  You may be eligible to apply for a Blue Light card, giving you access to exclusive discounts.