Head of Virtual School, Participation & Progression

Camden Council; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in London is seeking a Head of Virtual School to lead teams and improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children. This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including flexible working. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a background in educational advocacy or youth services. Applications are invited from individuals committed to making a difference in the community.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Career development and training

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience as a Virtual School Head or Deputy.
• Strong leadership skills to drive performance.
• Understanding of educational advocacy and youth services.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams in educational advocacy, careers advice, and youth work.
• Drive strategic improvements for vulnerable children.
• Shape Personal Education Plans and support progression.

Skills

Leadership

Educational advocacy

Partnership building

Strategic improvements

Education

Relevant educational background

Job description

Overview

Salary: £86,889 - £96,983 (Dependant on experience)

Location: 5 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG/Hybrid

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent/Full Time

Closing Date: Sunday 5th October 2025 at 23:59

Technical Interview: Week commencing 13th October 2025

Final interviews: Tuesday 21st October 2025

Recruitment notice: This recruitment is being managed by our external providers Penna.

Apply: Directly via Penna - please click HERE or copy and paste the below URL into your Microsoft Edge browser (the attachment will not open in other browsers):

https://penna.com/job/f543add3-378f-c951-a608-e41a66d086bd

If you are looking for a fresh and stimulating opportunity with an inclusive and supportive team, please apply with a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter. For a confidential discussion please contact Andrew Tromans via [e-mail] or 07805 226 301.

About Camden

We're making radical social change a reality, so that nobody gets left behind. Camden is a borough with ambition—for our residents, our communities, and especially for our children and young people. Our children's services are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and our Virtual School has a strong reputation for quality, collaboration, and improving outcomes. We are now seeking a virtual head who will support our Virtual School with our integrated borough-wide Participation & Progression Service to create a joined-up offer that supports children and young people from early years through to post-16 and beyond.

What You'll Be Doing / How You'll Be Involved

As our new Head of Virtual School, Participation & Progression, you will:

• Lead well-regarded, motivated teams covering educational advocacy, careers advice, youth work, and enrichment opportunities.
• Drive strategic improvements in outcomes for looked-after children, care leavers, and other vulnerable groups - in Camden and beyond.
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, social care, and Camden Learning, as well as with post-16 providers, voluntary sector organisations, and out-of-borough schools where our children are placed.
• Shape a sustainable, future-focused model that delivers consistently high-quality Personal Education Plans, improves attendance, raises aspirations, and supports progression into education, employment and training.

This is a role where your leadership will make a direct, visible difference to children's lives. Whether you are an experienced Virtual School Head looking for a fresh, high-performing environment, or a Deputy ready to take the next step, you'll find the professional challenge, supportive culture, and strategic scope to make your mark.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require an Enhanced DBS. Please note Camden also offers the DBS update service.

Candidate Pack

To view the Candidate Pack, please click HERE or copy and paste the below URL into your Microsoft Edge browser (the attachment will not open in other browsers):

https://es-media-hub.pennacloud.com/media/a5uftvy3/candidate-briefing-pack-sep-25.pdf

To find out more about what it is like to work at Camden, meet some of our People by visiting www.camdenjobs.co.uk/our-stories.

What We Offer

At Camden, you'll receive a host of benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave for new starters, rising to 31 days after 5 years
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Interest free loans
• Access to our incredible staff networks
• Career development and training
• Wellbeing support and activities

Visit www.camdenjobs.co.uk/staff-benefits for more details.

Inclusion and Diversity

We want Camden Council to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.

To discover more about Camden and our commitment towards diversity, equality and safeguarding, please visit https://www.camdenjobs.co.uk/inclusion-and-diversity