Head of Education

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Job summary

Knowsley Council is inviting applications for an exceptional Head of Education to lead the Education Service and drive outstanding outcomes for children, young people and adult learners across the borough.

This senior role requires strategic leadership within a statutory education environment, strong knowledge of education funding, and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders while promoting equality and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Education Service in a statutory environment.
• Strong knowledge of education funding and policy.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and elected members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of Education Services across the borough.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, trusts, headteachers, and wider stakeholders.
• Drive school effectiveness, inclusion and educational improvement.
• Champion the Knowsley Youth Offer and ensure every child can thrive.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on education policy and strategy.
• Lead transformational change to improve outcomes for children and families.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Education policy & legislation

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Equality & inclusion

Job description

We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey

• Location: Nutgrove Villa, Westmorland Road, Huyton , Knowsley , L36 6GA, Hybrid Working
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week.
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: CVP 0671

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024.

We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter , demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace.

Our local authority is in a strong financial position, with a balanced budget that ensures stability and growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a Senior Leadership Team committed to making a positive impact in our community.

Shape the future of education in Knowsley. Inspire change. Deliver impact.

Knowsley Council is seeking an exceptional and visionary Head of Education to lead our Education Service and help drive outstanding outcomes for children, young people and adult learners across the borough.

This is a rare opportunity for a strategic leader with a passion for education, inclusion and partnership working to influence educational excellence from birth through to adulthood. As a key member of the Children's Services Management Team, you will provide high-quality leadership across a diverse portfolio, ensuring the delivery of statutory education functions while shaping the future of education in Knowsley.

What you'll do

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of Education Services across the borough.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, trusts, headteachers, governors, the Department for Education, Ofsted and wider stakeholders.
• Drive school effectiveness, inclusion and educational improvement.
• Champion the Knowsley Youth Offer and ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members on education policy, legislation and strategy.
• Lead transformational change that improves outcomes for children, families and communities

Who we're looking for

You will be an experienced senior leader within a statutory education environment, with:

• A proven track record of delivering results in complex and politically sensitive settings.
• Extensive knowledge of education legislation and education funding.
• Strong financial, strategic and operational leadership skills.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and the values of Knowsley Better Together.

Why Knowsley?

At Knowsley, we're ambitious for our communities and our people. You'll join a forward-thinking authority committed to ensuring that every child and young person can achieve their full potential. This is your chance to make a lasting difference to educational outcomes and help shape the future of a borough that is passionate about improvement, inclusion and opportunity for all.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're an influential education leader with the vision, expertise and determination to drive excellence, we'd love to hear from you

Join us and help create brighter futures for Knowsley's children, young people and families.

To find out more please visit the microsite: -

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact:

Interviews are likely to take place 25 September 2026

Please note if a CV and supporting statement does not reflect the person specification it is unlikely to be shortlisted