Head of School - Blackpool FC Community Trust

Blackpool FC; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackpool FC Community Trust is seeking a Head of School to lead its independent school provision, BFC School. You will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure high-quality education, safeguarding and outcomes for all students.

Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee recruitment, budget and staffing, and develop partnerships with Local Authorities and other schools to maintain governance and educational quality within an inclusive, aspirational framework.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in education or a school environment.
• Strong governance and accountability understanding.
• Experience building partnerships with Local Authorities and schools.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational leadership across the school.
• Oversee quality of education, safeguarding and outcomes for students.
• Oversee recruitment, budget and staffing for the provision.
• Develop partnerships with Local Authorities, schools and other providers.
• Ensure compliance with independent school requirements and governance standards.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Educational leadership

Governance experience

Stakeholder management

Job description

Full job description

Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) is the official charity of Blackpool FC, using the power of the football club to engage, develop, inspire and support the people of Blackpool to live better lives. The Trust works across education, employability, health and wellbeing, community development and sport, reaching thousands of people across Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast each year.

The Head of School is an exciting senior leadership opportunity to lead the continued development and growth of BFC School, BFCCT’s independent school provision.

BFC School was rated Good by Ofsted in November 2024 and has established an experienced and committed team supporting students across the provision. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of School will provide strategic and operational leadership across the school, with responsibility for the quality of education, teaching, behaviour, leadership, safeguarding, personal development and outcomes for all students.

The Head of School will lead the continued development and improvement of the school, ensuring that BFC School provides a high-quality, inclusive and aspirational education in which students feel safe, supported and able to thrive. The postholder will work closely with the CEO and wider BFCCT leadership team to ensure the school continues to meet all Department for Education independent school requirements and maintains high standards of governance, safeguarding and educational quality.

The role will include responsibility for student recruitment, working in partnership with the Local Authority, secondary schools and other referral partners. The postholder will also manage the school’s delegated budget and resources, ensuring these are used effectively and sustainably to meet students’ needs and support the curriculum offer. They will play a key role in developing the school team and ensuring the right staffing structure and expertise are in place.

Alongside leading the school, the Head of School will contribute to BFCCT’s wider strategic development by identifying opportunities to respond to local need, developing strong partnerships across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, and working collaboratively with Local Authorities, schools, other education providers and key partners.

The successful candidate will bring strong strategic thinking, educational leadership and a commitment to improving outcomes for young people. They will have experience of senior leadership, an understanding of governance and accountability, and the ability to lead people and partnerships effectively.

This is a highly visible, front-facing Head of School role within a school setting, where building strong, positive relationships with pupils, parents and carers is essential

The role will also include a teaching commitment appropriate to the position, as and when required, to support the effective operation and continued development of the provision.