Head of Education Inclusion

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL-1; Greater London; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in London is seeking a Head of Education Inclusion to lead services that transform the lives of children and young people. The role involves overseeing alternative provision, managing school admissions for vulnerable pupils, and directing support pathways. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in leading educational services, a passion for equity, and a successful record of driving change. This is a permanent, full-time position offering a competitive salary range of £69,537 - £86,766, along with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Benefits

JNC benefits

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading services for vulnerable young people in education.
• Expertise in statutory frameworks, inclusion, and alternative provision.
• Strong partnership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Track record of delivering change and driving innovation.
• Passion for equity, inclusion, and progression for all learners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all alternative provision and primary behaviour support services.
• Manage school admissions for complex or hard-to-place pupils and ensure fair access protocols.
• Lead 16+ pathways and support for young people with EHCPs.
• Direct the Virtual School and Virtual Headteacher function.

Skills

Leading services for vulnerable young people in education

Expertise in statutory frameworks, inclusion, and alternative provision

Strong partnership and negotiation skills

Communication skills

Change delivery and innovation

Passion for equity and inclusion

Job description

Head of Education Inclusion

Reference number: SC07861
Location: London
Schedule: Full-time
Salary Range: (Full time equivalent) - £69,537 - £86,766
Contract Type: Permanent

Lead with Purpose. Drive Change. Make a Difference.

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced leader to drive inclusion across Southwark and positively impact the lives of children and young people.

About the Role

As our Head of Education Inclusion, you will champion equity, shape policy and lead services that transform the experiences of children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing all alternative provision and primary behaviour support services.
• Managing school admissions for complex or hard‑to‑place pupils and ensuring fair access protocols.
• Leading 16+ pathways and support for young people with EHCPs.
• Directing the Virtual School and Virtual Headteacher function.

Working closely with schools, families and partners, you will remove barriers to learning, maximise opportunities and ensure statutory duties are delivered in line with Southwark 2030. You will also report to (and deputise for) the Deputy Director of Children’s Services for Learning and Inclusion.

About You

You will be a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader with:

• Proven experience leading services for vulnerable young people in education.
• Expertise in statutory frameworks, inclusion and alternative provision.
• Strong partnership, negotiation and communication skills.
• A track record of delivering change, improving outcomes and driving innovation.
• A passion for equity, inclusion and progression for all learners.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please see the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this advert.

To Be Considered for Interview

Your cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) must clearly outline how you meet the job description and person specification in order to be considered.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Anna Chiva, Deputy Director Children’s Services (Learning and Inclusion) via email at [e-mail]

Additional Information

• Salary: £69,537 - £86,766 per annum plus £3,503 JNC benefits (pro‑rata).
• Working Hours: 36 per week, Monday – Friday.
• Contract: Permanent.
• Location: 160 Tooley St, London SE1 2QH.
• DBS: Enhanced level required.

Benefits and more information: https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026.
• Shortlisting dates: week commencing 5 January 2026.
• Interview dates: week commencing 19 January 2026.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council‑wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the following criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
• Currently in care or have previously been in care.
• Individuals who consider themselves disabled or have a long‑term health condition.

About Southwark

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together (our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Attachments
Job Description & Person Specification – Head of Education Inclusion