As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.
You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.
We connect. We inspire.
Role purpose:
The Head of English and School Education will support the development and delivery of a strategic portfolio of partnerships, programmes, and contracts across mixed funding streams and business models. They will ensure an overall balance of impact and financial sustainability, deliver country outcomes, and support the Country Director to ensure that benefit is achieved in country and for the UK and is suitably communicated.
The role holder with lead the English and School Education (ESE) portfolio of School Systems, Empowerment, and English Connects. They will lead contracts and programmes in-country, providing technical sector expertise, overseeing business development, and delivering quality, compliant implementation of programmes and contracts.
The role holder will share knowledge, expertise, and best practice from the country with the global ESE teams and externally.
Role Accountabilities:
This role is responsible for leading the English and School Education business in a country by turning the British Council’s global strategy into local action plans that deliver both impact and financial success. The person works closely with local and global leaders to analyse market trends, performance data, and opportunities, then develops annual business plans, sets targets, monitors progress, and takes corrective action when needed. They also ensure projects create meaningful benefits through partnerships and contribute to our wider strategic objectives.
A key part of the role is providing strong leadership to the team. This includes setting a clear vision, developing staff capabilities, managing performance, and creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment. The role also involves building relationships with governments, educational institutions, partners, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities, strengthen the British Council’s reputation, and support long-term growth.
Where appropriate and in line with the Cultural Engagement integrated income plan, the individual leads business development activities such as reviewing and approving proposals, making investment and contracting decisions, negotiating partnerships, and ensuring opportunities align with overall strategic goals. They oversee market research, competitor analysis, monitoring and evaluation processes, and use insights to improve programmes and business performance. They also represent the British Council in external forums, provide expert advice, and help influence education policies and practices.
Additionally, the role is accountable for financial and commercial performance, including reporting on income, expenditure, results, and impact against targets. A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism is essential, ensuring all colleagues feel valued, supported, and treated fairly while promoting a positive workplace culture.
Role specific knowledge and experience
Essentials
Desirables
Important Information
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We uniquely combine the UK’s deep expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language, our global presence and relationships in over 100 countries, our unparalleled access to young people and influencers and our creative sparkle.
We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit: http://www.britishcouncil.org
