Head of School Creative Industries

Vance Street Capital; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Head of School - Creative Industries to lead curriculum management and development. The role includes supervision of staff, strategic planning, and ensuring a high-quality educational offering. Required qualifications include a degree and teaching experience, with excellent leadership skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

37 days of annual leave plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year

5 days of Wellbeing leave

Excellent pension scheme

Subsidised sports facilities

Professional development opportunities

Salary sacrifice cycle scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading change.
• Substantial teaching experience required.
• Knowledge of local skills improvement plans and funding mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and operational management of the school's curriculum.
• Supervise and support Heads of Section forming a School Management Group.
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement with clear action plans.

Skills

Teaching skills

Leadership and management skills

Ability to lead teams

Curriculum development knowledge

Quality assurance familiarity

Education

Degree or relevant professional qualifications

Teaching qualification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Kingston College is seeking a Head of School - Creative Industries to lead the strategic development and operational management of the school's curriculum in line with college objectives and performance targets.

This role involves ensuring a high-quality curriculum connected to the local and regional needs of the community served by the college.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Curriculum Management Team (CMT), reporting directly to the Principal. They will work closely with various college directors and managers, including those responsible for quality, student support, external relations, HR, finance, and MIS. A key responsibility is to identify strengths and areas for improvement and to develop operational plans with clear actions and targets, monitored regularly and reported to the College CMT, contributing to the annual operating plan.

As Head of School, you will supervise and support the work of the Heads of Section, including Deputy and Team Leaders, forming a School Management Group. This group is responsible for key priorities outlined in the annual quality improvement plan.

Applicants should hold a degree or relevant professional qualifications, possess a teaching qualification (or be willing to obtain one), and have substantial teaching experience with excellent teaching skills. Leadership and management skills in curriculum and staff management are essential, along with experience leading teams and identifying training needs.

Knowledge of the curriculum offered, current and upcoming changes, curriculum development, accreditation, and validation processes is required. Familiarity with government skills strategies, local skills improvement plans, student demand, quality assurance, and funding mechanisms is also necessary. A proven track record of leading change is important.

The closing date for applications is 18th August 2025.

The benefits package includes:

• 37 days of annual leave plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year
• 5 days of Wellbeing leave
• Excellent pension scheme (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme)
• Subsidised sports facilities
• Professional development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice cycle scheme

We are committed to equality of opportunity and encourage applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion, or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships.

Successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, online searches, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The South Thames Colleges Group, comprising Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College, and South Thames College, is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training, dedicated to student success.

We seek hardworking, collaborative individuals who can help challenge our students to progress and achieve.