Job Description

Job Title: Education Adviser
Starting Salary: 54,125 progressing to 58,400 pa pro rata
Hours: 22.2
Location: Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead - with travel across Hertfordshire and out of county as required
Contract Type: Fixed Term or Secondment to October 2026 - Maternity Cover
Directorate: Childrens Services
Join Hertfordshire Virtual School - Make a Lifelong Impact
About the team
Hertfordshire Virtual School is a passionate and dedicated team committed to improving educational outcomes for Children Looked After (CLA), Previously Looked After children, and all children with a social worker. We are a small but highly skilled group of Education Advisers who oversee the education provision and progress of CLA, whether they are educated within Hertfordshire or beyond. Our mission is to close the achievement gap and ensure every child in our care has the opportunity to thrive academically and build a strong foundation for adulthood.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and committed Education Adviser to join our team. You will play a pivotal role in supporting and challenging schools to deliver high-quality education for Children Looked After. Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on effective teaching and learning strategies tailored to CLA
• Designing and recommending targeted interventions to boost outcomes
• Supporting schools in understanding the impact of care experience on learning
• Ensuring schools are held accountable for the progress of CLA
• Guiding transitions and securing timely, appropriate educational placements
• Promoting the effective use of Pupil Premium Plus funding
• Collaborating with Children's Services, foster carers, and external partners
• Advising on SEND and contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans

This role spans all key stages, and we welcome applicants with experience in either primary or secondary education.
About you
You are a teacher (with Qualified Teacher Status) with substantial teaching experience and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for underserved children. You understand the challenges faced by CLA and bring a proactive, solution-focused approach to your work. Experience with SEND and/or specialist settings is highly desirable. You'll need a current driving licence and the flexibility to travel across the country to visit educational settings outside Hertfordshire.
If you're ready to be part of a team that makes a lasting difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you.
To hear more about this opportunity please contact
for an informal discussion about the role.
Interview Date: 29th September, in person at our Apsley offices.
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job outline, to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Secondment
This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.
Additional information
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Driving required
You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).

Skills Required