Virtual School Education Officer

Darlington; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Maternity and paternity leave

Green Car Leasing Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee benefits app and discounts

Job summary

Darlington Virtual School is seeking a passionate Education Officer to join our team, helping to improve educational outcomes for children in care. You will work alongside schools, carers, social workers and partner agencies to remove barriers to learning and promote high aspirations for every child.

This is a permanent, full-time role with flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development within Darlington Borough Council's Virtual School.

Qualifications

• Experience advising schools and partner agencies to remove barriers to learning.
• Ability to support Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and monitor educational progress.
• Commitment to promoting inclusion and high educational aspirations for children in care.

Responsibilities

• Attend meetings and analyse educational progress.
• Support Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for children in care.
• Work with education settings and contribute to local strategic improvements.

Job description

Virtual School Education Officer (Ref: POS001302)

Salary £36,581 - £39,481 per annum Salary Band £30,001 to £40,000 Post Type Permanent Hours Per Week Full time

Job and Application details

Categories Education
Directorate N/A Published Date 13/10/2026 Closing Date 04/11/2026

Darlington Virtual School is seeking a passionate and committed Education Officer to join our friendly and highly regarded team, helping to improve educational outcomes for children in care.

Our Virtual School supports over 200 children and young people attending more than 70 education settings, from early years through to post-16. We work collaboratively with schools, carers and professionals to champion education, raise aspirations and ensure children in care receive the support they need to thrive. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable learners.

As an Education Officer, you will be a trusted advisor and advocate for children in care, working alongside schools, carers, social workers and partner agencies to remove barriers to learning, promote inclusion and drive educational progress. You will provide advice, support and constructive challenge to professionals, help remove barriers to learning, and promote high aspirations and achievement for every child.

No two days are the same. The role offers a varied workload including attending meetings, analysing educational progress, supporting Personal Education Plans (PEPs), working directly with education settings, and contributing to strategic developments that improve outcomes across the local authority.

In return, you will join a supportive team that is passionate about making a difference and benefit from flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to improving the lives of children and young people across Darlington.

For detailed information about the role, please refer to the Role Profile and Additional Information.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Rebecca Wallace, Virtual School Head, on 07392 131635.

The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:

• 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part-time working)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
• Green Car Leasing Scheme
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development opportunities
• Physiotherapy service
• Confidential counselling service
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
• Local and National retailer discounts
• Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

General Information for Applicants

If you have any further questions regarding applying for this role or the questions and required fields within the application form, please contact the HR Support team on 01325 403217 or [e-mail] .

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.