Head of School: Foundation Learning

South and City College Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading further education provider in Birmingham seeks a Head of School for Foundation Learning. The successful candidate will ensure that learners develop essential skills for further study or employment while managing a dedicated team of staff. Responsibilities include curriculum development, monitoring learner progress, and fostering positive behaviors. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and excellence in teaching. This role offers a chance to lead in a vibrant educational environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in educational leadership and management.
• Ability to ensure challenging and engaging teaching practices.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

Responsibilities

• Develop and guide learners to succeed and progress.
• Manage teaching staff and ensure effective course placement.
• Monitor standards of learner attainment and achievement.

Job description

Head of School – Foundation Learning

Previous applicants need not apply

Closing date for applications: 9 January 2026

Interviews have been arranged for: 23 January 2026

Purpose & Key Accountabilities

• Ensure that learners develop their skills and knowledge to succeed and progress into further study or employment.
• Ensure learners are on appropriate courses leading to progression.
• Provide an appropriate programme of study to all learners to meet their educational and personal needs and give realistic, achievable targets to aid progression.
• Promote an ethos of positive behaviour and encouragement within the team.
• Ensure staff understand and practice safeguarding responsibilities.
• Ensure teaching and learning is challenging, enjoyable and informative, based on learners’ prior knowledge and experience; promote attendance, punctuality, retention and progression.
• Raise standards of learner attainment and achievement within the curriculum and monitor and support learner progress.
• Day‑to‑day management of staff within the team, taking responsibility for their deployment and development within the framework agreed by the Faculty Head.

About the College

South and City College Birmingham is one of the largest further education providers in the UK, with eight campuses across the city. We are committed to ensuring students have the relevant skills, qualifications and experience for their future, whether that is to seek employment or continue their education.

Our vision is to be recognised as an outstanding educational and economic resource by providing outstanding education, training that is primarily vocational in response to the needs of the learners, employers and other key stakeholders.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are integral to who we are and what we do. We are firmly committed to promoting and embedding the key principles for all within our institution.

How to Apply

To apply, click the "Apply Online" button below.

Safeguarding and Pre‑employment Checks

The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS, prohibition check, childcare disqualification (where applicable), medical fitness, identity and right to work checks, and must provide at least two suitable references covering a 5‑year period. An online search will be conducted as part of due diligence.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and related amendments. The Immigration Act (2016) Part 7 applies, requiring fluent spoken English.

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

Safeguarding is our top priority. We encourage applicants to review our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, outlining our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of learners.