Education Manager

Lead education that changes lives
Were looking for an experienced and inspiring  Education Manager  to lead and develop education provision within a prison setting. This is a senior leadership role where you will drive quality, performance, and innovation helping learners gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed for successful reintegration into society.
Youll play a critical role in shaping education strategy, improving outcomes, and leading a high-performing team focused on rehabilitation and employability.
What youll be doing
Strategic Leadership
Develop and deliver the prisons  education strategy  aligned to organisational and government priorities
Promote a culture of  excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
Ensure provision supports  rehabilitation, employability, and personal development
Lead curriculum planning to meet diverse learner needs
Operational Management
Oversee the  day-to-day delivery  of all education programmes
Ensure effective staffing, timetables, and resource allocation
Monitor performance against  KPIs, contractual targets, and quality standards
Manage budgets to maximise impact and value
Quality Assurance & Improvement
Implement robust  quality assurance systems
Monitor teaching, learning, and assessment through observations and audits
Analyse learner data (achievement, attendance, progression) to drive improvement
Lead  self-assessment and quality improvement planning
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, motivate, and develop education staff to achieve high performance
Deliver performance reviews, supervision, and CPD support
Promote a positive, inclusive culture and staff wellbeing
Support talent development and succession planning
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with prison leadership, partners, employers, and awarding bodies
Represent education services at meetings, inspections, and external reviews
Work collaboratively to support learner engagement and progression  Safeguarding, Compliance & Outcomes
Ensure full compliance with  security, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
Lead preparation for inspections, audits, and reviews
Drive improvements in  learner participation, achievement, and progression
Promote education that reduces reoffending and supports long-term outcomes
What were looking for
Essential
Degree and/or relevant professional qualification
Teaching qualification (Level 5+ or equivalent, e.g. QTLS)
Internal Quality Assurance qualification (or willingness to achieve)
Strong leadership and people management experience
Proven experience in  curriculum development and quality improvement
Experience managing performance and leading teams to achieve results
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Knowledge of  OFSTED EIF framework  and quality standards
Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and compliance
Desirable
Experience working in prison, adult education, or with disadvantaged groups
Knowledge of current education and training initiatives
Why join us?
Lead a service that directly supports  rehabilitation and positive life change
Shape strategy and influence education at a senior level
Work as part of a collaborative leadership team
Access ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
Our values
Were looking for leaders who embody:
Customer First   improving lives through education
True North   acting with integrity
Own It   taking accountability
Improve to be the best   striving for excellence
Think big and take risks   driving innovation
Deliver Results   achieving high standards and outcomes
Apply now
If youre a driven education leader with a passion for making a difference, wed love to hear from you.