Job Description

Head of Department for Foundation Studies

Application Deadline: 8 October 2026

Department: Core FE

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hugh Baird College - Thornton Campus

Reporting To: Sarah Collins

Compensation: £45,526 - £47,645 / year

Description

🌟 Head of Department - Foundation Studies

🕓 Full-Time, Permanent (37 hours per week)

📅 50 Days Annual Leave

💷 £45,526 - £47,645 per annum + potential market supplement (DOE)

💼 Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)

🎁 Access to Medicash and a Wide Range of Staff Benefits

At Hugh Baird College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider, we are committed to inspiring, challenging and transforming lives. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a culture where excellence, innovation and collaboration drive success.

We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational Head of Department to lead our Foundation Studies provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced curriculum leader to shape the future direction of the department, drive outstanding learner outcomes and develop a high-performing team dedicated to transforming lives.

Reporting to the Director of Foundation Learning, Thornton College & Transitions Hub, you will provide strategic leadership and operational management across the department. You will drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning and assessment, whilst ensuring learners receive an exceptional educational experience that supports their progress, achievement and future aspirations.

Working closely with senior leaders, curriculum teams, employers and external stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the College's strategic priorities and maintaining our Outstanding standards.

Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as the vacancy may close once a suitable candidate is identified.

About the Role

As Head of Department, you will provide inspirational leadership and effective management of the Foundation Studies department, ensuring successful delivery against College strategic priorities and key performance indicators. You will lead curriculum development, quality assurance activity, staff performance and learner achievement, creating a culture of high expectations, accountability and continuous improvement.

You will also lead innovative approaches to learner engagement, progression and NEET prevention, ensuring students are supported to achieve their full potential and progress successfully into further study, employment or independent living.

• Provide inspirational leadership and effective management of the department.
• Drive outstanding teaching, learning, assessment and learner experience through robust quality assurance and improvement activities.
• Monitor curriculum performance and use data to drive improvement and inform decision-making.
• Lead achievement, attendance, punctuality and learner progress strategies to meet College KPIs.
• Develop and implement departmental business plans and curriculum offers that respond to learner, community and employer needs.
• Manage, motivate and develop staff through coaching, appraisals and professional development activities.
• Lead self-assessment reporting and quality improvement planning across the department.
• Establish strong partnerships with employers, schools, external agencies and wider stakeholders.
• Lead on the development of innovative NEET re-engagement programmes and prevention strategies.
• Ensure effective implementation of attendance, behaviour and engagement strategies, including early intervention where learners are at risk.
• Promote trauma-informed approaches to positive behaviour support and learner wellbeing.
• Support recruitment, admissions, employer engagement and College-wide events.

Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Sector-specific qualification in one or more of the following:
• SEN
• Health & Social Care
• Youth Work
• SEMH
• PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience of leading teams and improving staff performance.
• Experience of quality assurance, curriculum improvement and performance management.
• Strong understanding of learner progress measures, achievement data and performance indicators.
• Experience managing complex projects and implementing successful change initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong ICT skills and experience using management information systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Please see the Person Specification for the full details of the criteria required for this role.

Benefits

When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development and recognition.

Up to 50 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays.

Flexible working opportunities are available where business needs allow.

Access health plans designed to support you and your family with treatment and wellbeing services.

Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme, one of the most competitive pension schemes available.

Extensive CPD opportunities designed to support career progression and personal growth.

Our "Get Recognised" scheme and annual staff celebration events celebrate colleagues who embody our values.

Discounted access to our modern on-campus gym facilities.

Access to wellbeing initiatives, mental health support, staff groups and the Cycle to Work scheme.

Discounted rail and bus travel, interest-free season ticket loans and free on-campus parking.

Access to cashback offers and discounts from leading retailers.

Eligible employees may apply for a Blue Light Card and access exclusive discounts.

Hugh Baird College and University Centre is one of the UK's leading further education providers and one of only three colleges in the North West to hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating. We provide a broad range of academic, vocational and higher education opportunities that support learners across the Liverpool City Region.

As a Mindful Employer, we are committed to creating a supportive culture where employee wellbeing and mental health are actively championed.

Vision: To be the best College in the country.

Mission: To inspire, challenge and transform lives.

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Excellence - We have high expectations of ourselves and each other.
• Accountability - We own what we do, learn from our mistakes and constantly seek to improve.
• Innovation - We seize opportunities and are bold and dynamic in our approach.
• Collaboration - We are one team and work hard to serve each other well.
• Integrity - We are honest, transparent and do the right thing in the right way.

Hugh Baird College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and all applicants are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding and learner welfare.

This is your opportunity to lead an ambitious and impactful department, inspire exceptional practice and transform the lives of learners every day.

Apply today and help shape the future of learning at Thornton College & Transitions Hub.