Head of Virtual School, Participation & Progression

LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local government authority in London is seeking a Head of Virtual School, Participation & Progression. This key leadership role involves managing educational advocacy and strategic improvements for vulnerable children and young people. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership experience and a track record of driving educational outcomes. The position offers competitive salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

27 days annual leave for new starters, rising after 5 years

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Career development and training

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills in educational contexts.
• Experience in managing vulnerable groups' outcomes.
• Proven ability to drive strategic improvements in children's services.

Responsibilities

• Lead motivated teams across educational advocacy and youth work.
• Drive improvements for looked-after children and care leavers.
• Strengthen partnerships with local schools and organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Educational advocacy

Youth work

Partnership building

Career advice

Education

Experience in educational leadership

Understanding of Personal Education Plans

Job description

Overview

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Job Description

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

Please note this recruitment is being managed by our external providers Penna.

How to Apply

APPLY DIRECTLY VIA PENNA - PLEASE CLICK HERE or copy and paste the URL below into your Microsoft Edge browser (the attachment will not open in other browsers):

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

For a confidential discussion 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 lead 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. Camden also offers the DBS update service.

Candidate Pack

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

https://es-media-hub.pennacloud.com/media/a5uftvy3/candidate-briefing-pa...

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