Ambitious about Autism
Brighton, Sussex
St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged . We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT). About the Role As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood. You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems Deputise for the Head of College as required About You We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people. You will bring: Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent) Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery. Why Join St John's College? Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal. I nformal visit to setting/main college site - Ongoing through May 2026 Candidates informed of application outcome - Monday 18 May 2026 Interviews - Friday 22 May 2026 Start Date- September 2026 Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age. Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people. Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification. Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged . We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT). About the Role As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood. You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems Deputise for the Head of College as required About You We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people. You will bring: Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent) Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery. Why Join St John's College? Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal. I nformal visit to setting/main college site - Ongoing through May 2026 Candidates informed of application outcome - Monday 18 May 2026 Interviews - Friday 22 May 2026 Start Date- September 2026 Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age. Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people. Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification. Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
Harris Federation
? WORKING WITH US The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve. We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris. To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page. ? ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY We are seeking an Assistant Apprenticeship Manager to join our central team, helping support, promote and develop apprenticeship programmes across the Harris Federation while contributing to the growth of our provision as a training provider. You will be the first point of contact for apprentices, training providers and internal stakeholders, helping to drive engagement and ensure high-quality delivery. This is a varied role ideal for someone confident with systems, data and stakeholder management, who is passionate about creating opportunities for learners and supporting staff development. If you're organised, proactive and excited about improving apprenticeship experiences across a large, high-performing education trust, we'd love to hear from you. ? MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Reporting to the Apprenticeship Manager you will be responsible for: Acting as the first point of contact for apprenticeship queries, training providers and internal stakeholders Helping promote apprenticeship opportunities internally and supporting recruitment and upskilling initiatives across the Harris Federation Providing support to manage the Harris Federation apprenticeship levy, tracking costs, progress and compliance with funding requirements Organising and promoting Apprenticeship events and information sessions across the Federation and academy sites, supporting senior leaders in promoting apprenticeships and recruiting future apprentices Supporting internal and external marketing for apprenticeship activities as part of wider employer branding and promoting engagement events to increase awareness and understanding of apprenticeships Facilitating an apprenticeship network and supporting development opportunities such as award nominations Maintaining and advising on safeguarding compliance, including neuro-inclusion, in alignment with the Ofsted framework, especially for under-18 apprentices Supporting the Apprenticeship team with projects focused on implementation, procurement, quality assurance and evaluation to expand levy use or facilitate levy transfer Working with the marketing team to create marketing materials, update the Apprenticeship SharePoint, produce event leaflets and share internal communications promoting Apprenticeship programmes WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We would like to hear from you if you have: The ability to establish a new role in the Harris Federation and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver successful apprenticeship programmes Strong project management skills with experience of complex projects with multiple stakeholders Experience of working across a large organisation, developing and delivering initiatives and maintaining stakeholder relationships The ability to travel to Federation academies in and around London and Essex as required Experience of managing a Learning Management System within the FE sector and working with the third-party service provider to ensure the platforms are user friendly and up to date Supporting with tracking of tickets within the learning management system and working together with the third-party service provider to resolve any issues and ensuring the platform is fit for purpose Experience of ILR monthly declaration and its analysis using various MIS platforms For a full job description and person specification please download the Job Pack. ? APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation. Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, t his will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date. When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received. OUR VISION & VALUES Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed. We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that's why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Safeguarding Notice The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed. Equal Opportunities The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment. ? WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including: Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression Annual performance and loyalty bonus Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
? WORKING WITH US The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve. We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris. To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page. ? ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY We are seeking an Assistant Apprenticeship Manager to join our central team, helping support, promote and develop apprenticeship programmes across the Harris Federation while contributing to the growth of our provision as a training provider. You will be the first point of contact for apprentices, training providers and internal stakeholders, helping to drive engagement and ensure high-quality delivery. This is a varied role ideal for someone confident with systems, data and stakeholder management, who is passionate about creating opportunities for learners and supporting staff development. If you're organised, proactive and excited about improving apprenticeship experiences across a large, high-performing education trust, we'd love to hear from you. ? MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Reporting to the Apprenticeship Manager you will be responsible for: Acting as the first point of contact for apprenticeship queries, training providers and internal stakeholders Helping promote apprenticeship opportunities internally and supporting recruitment and upskilling initiatives across the Harris Federation Providing support to manage the Harris Federation apprenticeship levy, tracking costs, progress and compliance with funding requirements Organising and promoting Apprenticeship events and information sessions across the Federation and academy sites, supporting senior leaders in promoting apprenticeships and recruiting future apprentices Supporting internal and external marketing for apprenticeship activities as part of wider employer branding and promoting engagement events to increase awareness and understanding of apprenticeships Facilitating an apprenticeship network and supporting development opportunities such as award nominations Maintaining and advising on safeguarding compliance, including neuro-inclusion, in alignment with the Ofsted framework, especially for under-18 apprentices Supporting the Apprenticeship team with projects focused on implementation, procurement, quality assurance and evaluation to expand levy use or facilitate levy transfer Working with the marketing team to create marketing materials, update the Apprenticeship SharePoint, produce event leaflets and share internal communications promoting Apprenticeship programmes WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We would like to hear from you if you have: The ability to establish a new role in the Harris Federation and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver successful apprenticeship programmes Strong project management skills with experience of complex projects with multiple stakeholders Experience of working across a large organisation, developing and delivering initiatives and maintaining stakeholder relationships The ability to travel to Federation academies in and around London and Essex as required Experience of managing a Learning Management System within the FE sector and working with the third-party service provider to ensure the platforms are user friendly and up to date Supporting with tracking of tickets within the learning management system and working together with the third-party service provider to resolve any issues and ensuring the platform is fit for purpose Experience of ILR monthly declaration and its analysis using various MIS platforms For a full job description and person specification please download the Job Pack. ? APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation. Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, t his will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date. When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received. OUR VISION & VALUES Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed. We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that's why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Safeguarding Notice The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed. Equal Opportunities The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment. ? WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including: Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression Annual performance and loyalty bonus Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
