Interim Virtual School Head

Nottinghamshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A Place to Belong

Balance & Wellbeing

Community Connection

Professional Development

Job summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an Interim Virtual School Head for a 12-month fixed-term role hosted in Meadow House, Mansfield. You will ensure looked after children are prioritised in education, work with schools and partners, and drive improvements in educational provisions for Nottinghamshire’s looked after children.

You will lead local authority responsibilities, promote inclusive practices, and act as the Corporate Parent representative on education matters, ensuring progress and

Qualifications

• Strong background in education, social care, or related field.
• Proven experience leading teams and driving educational initiatives.
• Familiarity with statutory regulations and policies for looked after children.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion statutory responsibilities to prioritise looked after children.
• Foster inclusive practices with schools and stakeholders to meet educational needs.
• Represent the authority on exclusions, attendance, attainment and Personal Education Plans.

Skills

Educational expertise

Leadership

Legislation knowledge

Job description

Job Description / Person Specification

Virtual School Head JDPS.pdf – 219KB Opens in a new window

Salary or Hourly Rate

£62,439 - £66,967

Type of vacancy

Fixed Term

Work pattern

Full Time

Duration (Months)

12

Hours per week

37

Work Base

Meadow House, Mansfield, NG18 2TB

Working Arrangements

Hybrid

Job Description / Person Specification

Virtual School Head JDPS.pdf – 219KB Opens in a new window

Number of posts

1

Interview date

26 October 2026

Closing Date

18 October 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families across our community. We are committed to providing high-quality services that empower individuals and promote wellbeing. Join us in our mission to support looked after children and ensure they thrive in their educational journeys.

Exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our team as Interim Virtual School Head (12 months fixed term).

In this pivotal role, you will ensure that looked after children and those known to social care are prioritised in their educational experiences. You will work closely with schools and key partners to challenge and support them in providing the best educational provisions for Nottinghamshire’s looked after children, enabling them to thrive and achieve good progress.

As the Interim Virtual School Head, your key responsibilities will include:

• Championing Change: Carry out local authority statutory responsibilities to ensure looked after children are a priority.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Foster inclusive practices with schools, settings, and stakeholders to support the educational needs of children.
• Representing the Authority: Act as the local authority and Corporate Parent representative on matters related to exclusions, attendance, attainment, and Personal Education Plans for looked after children.

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Need

• Educational Expertise: A strong background in education, social care, or a related field.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in leading teams and driving educational initiatives.
• Knowledge of Legislation: Familiarity with statutory regulations and policies related to looked after children.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Demonstrate

• Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with various stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Highly developed problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to Development: A dedication to personal and professional growth, including ongoing training and supervision.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer

• A Place to Belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Balance & Wellbeing: Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• Community Connection: Opportunities to work alongside dedicated colleagues and local partners to make a real impact.
• Aspiration & Action: Access to professional development and training to help you grow in your career.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our community! If you are passionate about education and want to lead positive change, apply today to join Nottinghamshire County Council as our Interim Virtual School Head.

This post is also available as a secondment opportunity to existing Nottinghamshire County Council employees. You must seek approval from your line manager before applying.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself as an accredited Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.