Programme Leader UPS

Northumberland College; North East; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme (LGPS/Teacher)

Free parking

Free gym access

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Northumberland College invites applications for a Programme Leader UPS in Uniformed Public Services at Kirkley Hall Campus near Ponteland. The role leads curriculum development, inspires learners and collaborates with partners to deliver a high‑quality UPS programme.

The post is full‑time and permanent, with salary £31,375 to £40,912 per annum. The successful candidate will have FE teaching experience and industry background in uniformed services.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching in the FE sector.
• Experience working with young people in an educational setting.
• Experience planning and delivering UPS sessions.
• Experience keeping records of student progress against achievements.
• Experience taking ownership of a programme of study.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning.
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and assessment standards.
• Teach to high standards using student‑centred approaches and learning technologies.
• Engage in reflective practice and contribute to professional development.
• Liaise with the wider support team to provide high‑quality academic support.
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events.

Skills

FE teaching experience

UPS sessions

Programme leadership

Uniformed services industry

Communication skills

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

L3 qualification in related subject

Level 2 Mathematics

Level 2 English Language

Level 6 qualification (Desirable)

Job description

Programme Leader UPS

Agriculture, Engineering and Animal Care

Location: Northumberland Salary: £31,375 to £40,912 per annum Post Type: Full Time Contract Type: Permanent Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 20 August 2026 Reference: 0556-26

About The College

Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East - the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running*, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment.

Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, and as the top performing land-based college nationally*, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.

Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About The Candidate

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Lecturer and Programme Leader for Uniformed Public Services to join our ambitious and forward-thinking team at Northumberland College.

This is an exciting opportunity for a public services professional who is passionate about developing the next generation of uniformed service personnel while maintaining flexibility alongside other professional commitments. The role is ideally suited to an individual with experience in the military, police, fire and rescue service, prison service, emergency services or related public service sectors who is looking to combine industry expertise with a rewarding teaching and leadership opportunity.

As Programme Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a high-quality Uniformed Public Services curriculum, inspiring students to achieve their full potential and progress into successful careers within the public services sector. We are looking for an individual who demonstrates initiative, professionalism and a commitment to excellence, with the confidence to lead and continuously develop a dynamic and engaging programme.

We value authentic leadership, open communication and collaboration. The successful candidate will be committed to creating a positive learning environment, fostering strong relationships with students, employers and colleagues, and maintaining the highest standards of teaching, learning and professional practice.

You will bring current or recent industry experience, a strong understanding of the skills, behaviours and values required within the uniformed services, and a passion for supporting learners to develop their confidence, resilience, leadership and employability skills. Working closely with colleagues and external partners, you will ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, innovative and responsive to the needs of both learners and the sector. students and colleagues, and maintaining the highest standards of teaching, learning and professional practice.

About The Role

• The role is full time and is based at the Kirkley Hall Campus near Ponteland
• Our exceptional land-based campus provides a distinctive setting for Uniformed Public Services education, with access to woodland, open farmland and expansive outdoor spaces that support the delivery of realistic training activities, leadership development, team-building exercises and outdoor learning experiences that prepare students for careers in the uniformed services.
• The Role included a range of professional development opportunities

Role Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment
• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student – centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience.
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme.
• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Education and training or equivalent
• L3 qualification in a related subject
• Level 2 Mathematics
• Level 2 English Language

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of teaching in the FE sector
• Experience of working with young people in an educational setting
• Experience of planning and delivery of UPS sessions
• Experience of keeping records of student progress against achievements
• Experience of taking ownership of a programme of study

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

• L6 qualification in a relevant subject

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Karen Bell at [e-mail] should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.

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