Director of Education
Newfriars College, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST2 8BH17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
22 September 2025
Closing date
16 October 2025 at 9am
Date listed
29 September 2025
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- SPOT Salary £90,000
Director of Education job summary
Newfriars College is seeking an exceptional Director of Education to lead our specialist provision into its next exciting chapter of growth and innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership role in a vibrant and inclusive college, shaping an ambitious educational vision and driving outstanding outcomes for young people with SEND.
We are looking for a strategic thinker, inspirational leader, and passionate advocate for inclusion. You will bring proven senior leadership experience, a track record of delivering high-quality provision, and the ability to build strong partnerships that widen opportunities for learners.
We welcome applications from senior leaders across FE, SEND, and inclusive education.
In return, we offer the chance to:
- Lead a thriving, sector-leading college with national recognition.
- Drive innovation in curriculum, employability, and progression.
- Work alongside a dynamic and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
Newfriars College aim is to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16–25.
We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.
Our College works in partnership with Shaw Education Trust who believe that “every young person can achieve great things, whatever their abilities and whatever their background”.
We are driven by our vision for a society in which young people with disabilities are able to realise their potential and are given the skills, support and assurance to have a better future.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—our “precious cargo.” We are proud to "exactly like nothing else” and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.
If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Newfriars College
- School type
- Other type, ages 16 to 25
- School size
- No information available
- Age range
- 16 to 25
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Newfriars College website
School location
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