Job Description

Job Title

- Curriculum Lead

Business Area -

College

Contract Type

-Permanent

Working Pattern

- Full Time - Term Time Only

Pay Scale

-31,000 - 40,000

Role Purpose

The Curriculum Lead is responsible for designing and delivering a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of learners in a specialist college setting. Working with students who face barriers to mainstream education, the role ensures that teaching is engaging, accessible, and aligned with individual goals for academic, vocational, and personal development. This role involves leading curriculum planning, monitoring quality, supporting staff development, and aligning learning pathways with progression into further education, employment, or independent living. The Curriculum Lead promotes innovation, high expectations, and therapeutic approaches to learning.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Leadership & Development

o

Lead and implement curriculum initiatives that align with the college's curriculum intent and strategic goals. Manage multiple academic and vocational subject areas, ensuring coherence and quality across provision. Lead on the development of creative and therapeutic curriculum models, including project-based and experiential learning approaches. Embed and promote Functional Skills throughout the curriculum to support learner development and independence. Promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout curriculum design and delivery.

Learner Assessment & Progression

Assess learners for suitability and develop personalised learning plans that reflect their aspirations and intended progression pathways. Maintain robust systems for student assessment and progress tracking, ensuring measurable outcomes for individuals and the college. Use learner data and feedback to inform curriculum planning, teaching strategies, and interventions. Work closely with careers advisors and external partners to ensure learners have clear progression routes into further education, employment, or supported living.

Teaching & Learning Quality

Drive excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring all students receive a high-quality educational experience. Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for teaching staff to build capacity and share best practices. Support internal and external quality assurance processes to uphold high standards of achievement for staff and learners. Oversee qualification preparation and evidence gathering to ensure outstanding delivery and outcomes.

Learner Support & Engagement

Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. Champion safeguarding across the college, ensuring compliance with all relevant national and local policies. Liaise effectively with parents/carers to support learner progress and engagement. Facilitate effective communication with students and stakeholders to inform curriculum development and service delivery.

Operational Excellence & Strategic Contribution

Ensure learner records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with regulatory requirements. Develop partnerships with local organisations, employers, and community groups to enrich the curriculum and provide real-world learning opportunities. Integrate digital tools and accessible learning technologies to support diverse learning needs and enhance engagement. Contribute to the implementation of the College's Quality Improvement and Strategic Plan. Clearly communicate and uphold the organisation's mission, vision, and values in all aspects of curriculum leadership.

Skills and Abilities

Curriculum Design & Planning

: Ability to develop inclusive, engaging, and differentiated curriculum pathways that meet diverse learner needs and align with strategic intent.

Leadership & Management

: Strong leadership skills to manage subject areas, support staff development, and drive continuous improvement.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

: Skilled in implementing effective assessment frameworks and using data to track learner progress and inform planning.

Communication

: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with learners, staff, parents/carers, and external stakeholders.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

: Deep understanding of safeguarding practices and ability to promote a safe, nurturing learning environment.

Quality Assurance

: Experience in supporting internal and external quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance and high standards.

Functional Skills Integration

: Ability to embed English, maths, and digital skills meaningfully across the curriculum.

Adaptability & Innovation

: Creative and flexible approach to curriculum delivery, including therapeutic and alternative education methods.

Digital Literacy

: Competent in using educational technologies and digital tools to enhance learning and accessibility.

Team Collaboration

: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Progression Planning

: Ability to support learners in identifying and achieving progression goals into further education, employment, or independent living.

EDI Awareness

: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of curriculum leadership and learner engagement.

Experience and qualifications

Essential

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), PGCE, or equivalent teaching qualification. Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or willingness to work towards). Proven experience in curriculum leadership within a specialist, alternative, or inclusive education setting. Experience working with learners with SEND, SEMH, or other barriers to mainstream education. Demonstrable success in managing academic and vocational subject areas. Strong track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes through staff development and quality assurance. Experience in designing and implementing personalised learning plans and progression pathways. Evidence of continued professional development in curriculum design, SEND, or alternative education. Familiarity with safeguarding practices and promoting learner wellbeing in educational environments.

Desirable

Leadership or management qualification (e.g., NPQ, Level 5/6 in Leadership and Management). Safeguarding Level 3 certification. Additional qualifications in therapeutic education, trauma-informed practice, or mental health support. Experience in developing project-based, experiential, or therapeutic curriculum models. Engagement with external partners, employers, and community organisations to enhance curriculum relevance. Competence in using digital tools and accessible technologies to support diverse learning needs.

Behaviours and Attitudes

Empathy

: Foster a supportive environment that encourages understanding and compassion among learners and staff.

Integrity

: Uphold honesty and strong moral principles in all interactions and decisions.

Resilience

: Encourage learners to develop coping strategies and the ability to bounce back from challenges.

Trust

: Build a culture of trust where learners feel safe to express themselves and take risks in their learning.

Authenticity

: Encourage learners to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.

Commitment

: Instil a sense of dedication to personal growth and the learning process.

Honesty

: Promote transparency and truthfulness in all communications and assessments.

Enjoyment

: Create a joyful learning environment where learners find pleasure in their educational experiences.

Learning

: Encourage a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Respect

: Cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect among learners, staff, and the wider community.

Declarations

We aim to create and maintain a safe environment and community where all young people and adults feel safe, secure and valued. We work hard to create strong relationships and show a commitment to safeguarding all young people. Our work is classified as Regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA). This role will include regular contact with Children 121 or group setting. This includes those that could be classified as vulnerable and both an understanding of and experience in adhering to UK safeguarding legislation is required. Further information relating to our Safeguarding, Child Protection, Ex-offender or Safer Recruitment policies are available upon request. All applications are assessed on an individual basis in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

This post will require the successful candidate to complete our Disclosure Barring Service, Vulnerable Child and Adult register checks as well as reference checks. We may also carry out additional online searches such as social media as part of the selection process

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 31,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Work Location: On the road