Education Manager

Location: Sudbury

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.