Principal - Great Barr

OFG Education; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Your Wellbeing Matters (mental health)

Vista benefits platform

Job summary

OFG Education is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead a multi-campus specialist further education college serving students with SEMH, autism and related needs. Based across Great Barr, Walsall and Tamworth, you will shape culture, values and strategy to deliver a personalised, high-quality learning experience that empowers learners for adulthood.

You will build a trauma-informed, inclusive environment, lead a high-calibre team, ensure safeguarding and quality, manage budgets and drive

Qualifications

• This role requires experience as Principal or Deputy Principal within SEN, SEMH or specialist provision.
• Proven leadership in FE with focus on trauma-informed education and safeguarding.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted/ISA frameworks for specialist settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and an inspiring vision for a specialist SEMH/Autism setting.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Trauma-informed practice

SEN expertise

Budget management

Education

Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

At OFG Education we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work

Job Title: Principal
Location: Care First, Great Barr Campus, Birmingham, B42 1DY
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £80,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

This is not just a Headship. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to create something truly special.

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead a multi campus specialist further education college; supporting young people with SEMH, Autism, and associated needs.The college operates across multiple campuses, located in Great Barr, Walsall, and Tamworth.

From day one, you will shape the culture, values, and strategic direction of a college designed around understanding, inclusion, and ambition. Your leadership will ensure that every learner receives a personalised, high-quality educational experience that empowers them to achieve their potential and prepares them for adulthood.

This is your chance to build a setting where young people who may have struggled elsewhere finally feel safe, understood and empowered to succeed.

As Principal, you will have the rare opportunity to:

• Design and develop a specialist college from the ground up
• Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice at the heart of learning
• Create a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress go hand in hand
• Lead, inspire and grow a high-calibre multidisciplinary team
• Build a college where students belong, thrive and achieve their potential
• Make a lasting impact that will be felt for generations

If you’re driven by purpose and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true professional legacy.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership and a clear, inspiring vision for a specialist SEMH and Autism setting
• Create a nurturing, ambitious and trauma-informed environment where behaviour is understood as communication
• Lead on safeguarding, quality, compliance and operational excellence from day oneRecruit, develop and inspire a passionate, skilled staff team
• Work in close partnership with therapists and specialists to deliver highly personalised pathways
• Build trusted relationships with parents, carers and local authorities

About You

We’re seeking a leader who brings heart, resilience and expertise in equal measure:

• An experienced Principal or Deputy Principal within SEN, SEMH, specialist provision or further education
• A deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and inclusive education
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted and/or ISA frameworks for specialist settings
• Proven ability in budget management, resource planning and leading change
• A passionate advocate for high expectations and aspirational outcomes for every student
• Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Care First provides person-centred education and day provision for young adults with learning difficulties, autism, mental health needs and complex needs. Our tailored programmes help learners develop life skills, build independence and thrive within their communities.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales

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