Head of Foundation Studies — Lead Learning & Impact

Hugh Baird Collage; Sefton; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50 days annual leave

Medicash

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Staff benefits

CPD opportunities

On-campus gym access

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted rail and bus travel

Job summary

Hugh Baird College is seeking a dynamic Head of Department for Foundation Studies to lead the Foundation Studies provision and drive outstanding learner outcomes. Reporting to the Director of Foundation Learning, you will shape departmental strategy, implement quality assurance and develop a high-performing team dedicated to transforming lives.

This full-time role offers strategic leadership across curriculum development, staff performance, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on NEET

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Sector-specific qualification in SEN, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, SEMH.
• PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience of leading teams and improving staff performance.
• Experience of quality assurance, curriculum improvement and performance management.
• Strong understanding of learner progress measures, achievement data and performance indicators.
• Experience managing complex projects and implementing successful change initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong ICT skills and experience using management information systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and effective management of the department.
• Drive outstanding teaching, learning, assessment and learner experience through robust quality assurance and improvement activities.
• Monitor curriculum performance and use data to drive improvement and inform decision-making.
• Lead achievement, attendance, punctuality and learner progress strategies to meet College KPIs.
• Develop and implement departmental business plans and curriculum offers that respond to learner, community and employer needs.
• Manage, motivate and develop staff through coaching, appraisals and professional development activities.
• Lead self-assessment reporting and quality improvement planning across the department.
• Establish strong partnerships with employers, schools, external agencies and wider stakeholders.
• Lead on the development of innovative NEET re-engagement programmes and prevention strategies.
• Ensure effective implementation of attendance, behaviour and engagement strategies, including early intervention where learners are at risk.
• Promote trauma-informed approaches to positive behaviour support and learner wellbeing.
• Support recruitment, admissions, employer engagement and College-wide events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

ICT skills

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

PGCE, Cert Ed or teaching qualification

Level 2 English and Maths qualifications

Tools

Management information systems

MS Office

Job description

Hugh Baird College is seeking a dynamic Head of Department for Foundation Studies to lead the Foundation Studies provision and drive outstanding learner outcomes. Reporting to the Director of Foundation Learning, you will shape departmental strategy, implement quality assurance and develop a high-performing team dedicated to transforming lives.

This full-time role offers strategic leadership across curriculum development, staff performance, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on NEET