Job Description

Join Colchester Institute - Where Your Career Makes a Difference


At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking working environment.

Pay Award Pending

Job Title: Head of Area: Health and Social Care, Science (FE and HE)

Exciting Leadership Opportunity!

Are you ready to lead the development and delivery of a broad, high-quality, and efficient range of classroom-based and Apprenticeship programmes? We're looking for someone passionate to drive excellence across these key areas:


Health and Social Care*
Dental Nursing*
Counselling (including Higher Education)*
Applied and Forensic Science*
Access to Higher Education*


As the Head of Area: Health and Social Care, Science (FE and HE), you'll have the opportunity to strengthen and grow outstanding partnerships with key employers -- particularly the local Hospitals Trust (ESNEFT), the Integrated Care Board, and local universities -- to enhance the learner experience, support positive progression, and help local health and care providers meet their workforce needs.


In this role, you will lead and manage staff and resources to ensure excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment, while achieving important college targets.


If you're excited about shaping futures and making a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you. Apply today and take the lead!

About the Role:

Provide confident and inspiring leadership for the Area by promoting open communication and staff wellbeing; leading recruitment, induction, performance management, and development; managing employee relations professionally; and overseeing budget control to meet financial goals. Respond promptly to concerns from parents, students, and others, collaborating with management and the Quality Team as needed. Take an active role in applying student disciplinary procedures, supporting colleagues early on and leading later stages in line with current policies.*
Lead the development of an innovative, flexible curriculum that meets the needs of local and national employers, Higher Education Institutions, and students' progression goals. Coordinate and develop apprenticeships, including Higher Apprenticeships, collaborating with the Director of Apprenticeships to ensure employer demand and high-quality provision. Oversee efficient timetabling and staff use to meet learning hours and funding requirements. Manage staffing and resources to support excellent curriculum delivery.*
Lead excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and assessment, setting high standards for student achievement, progress, and destinations. Promote up-to-date teaching methods through CI7 in Action and Walk Thrus, delivering staff development sessions. Oversee quality assurance across Classroom-based, Apprenticeship, and Full Cost programmes, maintaining accurate self-assessment and driving Quality Improvement Plans. Manage student recruitment, retention, achievement, and grades to meet college targets. Conduct lesson observations and learning walks to support and develop outstanding teaching and assessment.*

Essential Qualifications:

Minimum Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics: GCSE grade 4+ or C and above, CSE Level 1, O-Level C or above, Level 2 Adult Numeracy or Literacy, or equivalent. Degree or equivalent qualification.

Teaching qualification at Level 5 minimum (e.g., Certificate in Education, PGCE, or equivalent).

Essential Experience:

Knowledge of current practices and innovations in Further Education. Proven experience managing teams to improve quality and success outcomes. Skilled in leading staff development to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment with positive learner impact. Effective management of staff and resources to support a high-quality student experience. Experience in proactive curriculum development, promotion, and marketing for continuous improvement. Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including parents and employers. Proven effectiveness in the leadership and management both individually and in teams.

All applications will be assessed against the stated essential requirements, so please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how you meet them.

We do not engage with recruitment or search agencies

unless they have been officially contracted in line with our PSL.

Additional Information

Colchester Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We strive to be an Equal Opportunities employer. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.


Please visit our website www.colchester.ac.uk to obtain further details about the College.