HEAD OF FOUNDATION LEARNING

John Ruskin College; Redhill; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbital South Colleges Group is seeking an experienced Head of Foundation Learning to lead and develop our Foundation Learning provision across the College Group, including the King's Trust Team Programme at John Ruskin College.

You will drive curriculum development, quality improvement and learner performance, with a focus on attendance, retention and progression, while building partnerships with local authorities, employers and community organisations.

Qualifications

• Significant FE teaching experience in Foundation Learning or SEND.
• Proven ability to lead curriculum teams and drive quality improvement.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, funding requirements and QA processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for Foundation Learning across the College Group.
• Lead curriculum development and quality improvement, focusing on attendance, retention, progression and learner outcomes.
• Build partnerships with local authorities, employers and schools and lead the King's Trust Team Programme at John Ruskin College.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Data-driven performance

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PGCE / CertEd / Level 5 Teaching Qualification

SEND qualification (e.g., NPQ-SENCO)

Job description

Head of Foundation Learning

Job Type: Management

Job Category: Supported Learning

Employment Basis: Established (salaried)

Location: John Ruskin College - Croydon, East Surrey College - Redhill

Salary Range: £58,852 per annum

Closing Date: 18/10/2026

Documents:

• OSC Corporation Competency Framework.pdf (PDF, 472.18kb)
• Head of Foundation Learning JD & PS.pdf (PDF, 170.83kb)

Orbital South Colleges Group is seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Foundation Learning to lead and develop our Foundation Learning provision across the College Group.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader with expertise in SEND and inclusive education to drive outstanding outcomes for learners with diverse learning needs. You will play a key role in shaping a high-quality curriculum, leading dedicated teams, and ensuring our learners develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve their ambitions.

As Head of Foundation Learning, you will provide operational leadership for Foundation Learning provision across the College Group, ensuring an inclusive and high-quality student experience for learners with SEND and a wide range of additional needs. You will lead curriculum development, quality improvement and learner performance, with a focus on attendance, retention, achievement and progression. The role also includes leadership of the King's Trust Team Programme at John Ruskin College and responsibility for building strong partnerships with local authorities, employers, schools and community organisations.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced Further Education professional who has a strong background in Foundation Learning and/or SEND provision, together with a proven ability to lead teams, drive quality improvement and deliver excellent learner outcomes.

You Will Bring

• Significant teaching experience within Further Education, specialising in Foundation Learning and/or SEND provision.
• Experience of leading curriculum teams and developing inclusive educational provision.
• A strong understanding of curriculum design, funding requirements and quality assurance processes.
• Experience of using data effectively to drive performance and improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold:

• A full teaching qualification (PGCE, CertEd or Level 5 Teaching Qualification)
• A relevant SEND qualification, such as NPQ-SENCO or equivalent.

Interviews are expected to be held week commencing the 28th of October.

We are also committed to PREVENT and Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Both College Campus’ are smoke‑free zones.

As part of our pre‑employment checks, successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS, references will be taken and evidence of all qualifications and awards will also be required before commencement of employment. Failure to do so may lead to offers being withdrawn.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permits, and work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.