Head of Programmes (Creative) - Greater Manchester

Head of Programmes - Specialist SEND Post-16 Education

Location: Manchester (Multi-Site)
Salary: £44,000 - £48,000 FTE (£38,428 - £41,922 Actual Salary)
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | Term Time Only (41 Weeks)

A specialist Post-16 education provider is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Programmes to lead the delivery of high-quality education and support across multiple specialist college campuses.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established education leader who is committed to improving outcomes for young people with SEND and EHCPs while driving excellence in curriculum delivery, safeguarding, quality assurance, and student experience.

The successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring programmes are delivered consistently, compliantly, and in line with the organisation's vision for inclusive education.

The Role

The Head of Programmes will oversee the leadership and development of specialist Post-16 study programmes across multiple campuses, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding, SEND provision, and student progression.

Working closely with senior leaders, curriculum teams, families, Local Authorities, and external partners, the postholder will drive quality improvement, staff development, and positive student outcomes across all areas of provision.

This role combines curriculum leadership, SEND management, safeguarding responsibility, operational oversight, and multi-site leadership within a growing specialist education organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational delivery of Post-16 study programmes across multiple campuses
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes across all provisions
• Lead SEND provision, EHCP implementation, Annual Reviews, and student progression planning
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL across the wider organisation
• Monitor curriculum quality, attendance, destinations, engagement, and achievement
• Drive continuous improvement through effective use of data, quality assurance, and self-assessment
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Maintain Ofsted readiness and ensure compliance with DfE funding requirements and SEND legislation
• Develop relationships with employers, cultural partners, Local Authorities, and external stakeholders
• Oversee Supported Internship provision and employer engagement opportunities
• Ensure exceptional student experiences across all campuses

The Ideal Candidate

• Teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent)
• Significant experience within Post-16, SEND, Further Education, or specialist provision
• Proven leadership experience managing educational teams
• Strong knowledge of EHCP processes, SEND legislation, and Preparation for Adulthood pathways
• Experience leading safeguarding and student wellbeing initiatives
• Understanding of Ofsted requirements and quality improvement frameworks
• Experience using data to drive student outcomes and programme performance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Experience

• DSL experience
• Management qualification or leadership training
• Experience supporting Ofsted inspections
• Experience within Supported Internship programmes
• Experience within creative, cultural, or alternative education settings
• SEND qualification

What's on Offer

• Permanent term-time opportunity
• Competitive leadership salary package
• Multi-site leadership responsibility
• Ongoing CPD and career progression opportunities
• Supportive and values-driven leadership team
• Opportunity to shape and influence specialist Post-16 provision
• Chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people with SEND

This role would suit an experienced Head of Curriculum, Curriculum Manager, Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal, SEND Manager, Head of Learning Support, Inclusion Manager, Programme Manager, or senior educational leader looking to progress within specialist Post-16 education.

DISCLAIMER

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters.

© Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.