Head of Specialist SEND College (Ages 16–25)

Kisimul Group Limited; Thorney Toll; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Thorney Toll is seeking a Head of College to lead a specialist post-16 college for learners with autism and complex needs. The role requires excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of SEND pedagogy, and experience in senior leadership. The successful candidate will drive growth and improvement, ensuring all learners achieve their full potential. The position offers a competitive salary of £60-65k along with 50 days of annual leave and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

50 days annual leave

Employee well-being assistance

Pension scheme

Ongoing CPD and training

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Extensive knowledge of SEND education.
• Experience in leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Drive ambition and improvement in the college.
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
• Support and supervise the therapy team.

Skills

Excellent leadership skills

In-depth knowledge of SEND pedagogy

Understanding of SEND Code of Practice

Experience in senior leadership

Commitment to learner potential

Ability to lead change

Analysis and communication skills

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of College to join our established team in our Calman Colaiste (SEND College) on the outskirts of the village of Thorney, near Peterborough.

About The Job

Calman Colaiste is a specialist post-16 to 25 college that provides further education for learners who are autistic and have additional complex learning needs. Our learners are typically non-verbal or have developmental language delays. Teaching and learning are therefore very challenging; however, this also means that any breakthroughs bring the greatest rewards.

The college is part of Kisimul Group, a national provider of education and care to neurodivergent children and adults, and embraces its core values of ‘Think Forward, Be Yourself and Grow Together’. The site spans over 20 acres, and we benefit from first class learning spaces with a range of sensory and vocational facilities within the extensive grounds.

The college curriculum focusses on Preparation for Adulthood outcomes, and features Functional Skills, Independent Living and Creativity within the core offer. There is a significant focus on enterprise, environmental and employment based learning, and the college benefits from an extensive animal husbandry provision and horticulture base which enable both vocational and therapeutic outcomes. Our learners have complex needs, to provide meaningful education we need to be creative, resilient and be clear on their individual outcomes and pathways to success.

An onsite and integrated therapy team support access to communication, sensory and emotional regulation and staff training and mentoring. The college has developed a positive reputation with placing authorities over the last 2 years and recent regulatory visits have reflected these significant improvements. There are plans for further growth, which includes satellite provision linked to one of the group’s adult care services, and there is ambition for further growth and investment. Our new Head of college will need to drive that ambition, overcoming barriers to learning and be committed to maintaining and fostering relationships with a range of external stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for a colleague who can demonstrate the following.

• Excellent leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills – with colleagues, stakeholders and learners.
• In depth and extensive knowledge of SEND pedagogy.
• Clear understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and Ofsted regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of or clear aspiration for senior leadership, ideally within Post 16 SEND.
• Clarity on how their own values drive their passion for leadership.
• A commitment to ensuring all learners achieve their full potential.
• High expectations of their own accountability and their ability to motivate others.
• Experience of leading change and improvement and impacting organisational culture.
• A clear understanding of leadership roles in the safeguarding of vulnerable young people.
• The ability to absorb, prioritise and analyse information and communicate this effectively.

About Kisimul Group

Why join Kisimul

Your health and personal development is important to us, so you’ll get:

• A competitive salary c. 60-65k, with 50 days annual leave.
• Employee health and well-being assistance.
• Pension scheme.
• A competencies framework linked to your role and experience so you can see clear expectations and accountabilities and the route forward for progression.
• Ongoing CPD and training in autism, trauma informed practice, communication and support to access National Professional Qualifications in Education frameworks.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.