Head of Department, Foundation Learning

Join an Outstanding Team 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.

Lead Excellence in Foundation Studies 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.

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.

• 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.

Why Join Hugh Baird College?

• Generous Holiday Allowance – up to 50 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays.
• Flexible Working – flexible working…