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Head of Learning – College

Supporting Young Adults with Complex Needs

Billingshurst, West Sussex

Hours: 40 hours per week, Permanent

Salary: £42,884.62 – £47,173.08 Pro Rata (Term-Time)

Are you looking for a Head role where quality, values, and impact genuinely matter?
Would you like to work at a College recognised as a Top Employer 2025, with a Good OFSTED rating?
Do you want to be part of a college that prioritises the students, motivating them to be their best self?

We have been named as a Top 50 Inspiring Workplace!

About the Company:

Compass Associates is proud to be partnering with a leading education provider who have services across England and Wales supporting children and adults educational and residential environments. Together, we are seeking a passionate and dedicated Head of Learning to join our team.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping students prepare for adulthood, build confidence, and achieve independence in the wider community.

About Our Students:

Our students consist of special school leavers with complex health conditions, learning disabilities, and SEMH diagnoses, including autism.

Each student spends 2-3 years following an intensive multi-disciplinary team study programme that supports them as school leavers into busy, productive and fulfilling lives as adults.

Location:

Billinghurst, West Sussex.

Based in our own idyllic grounds, this school is a non-maintained special school and offers extensive specialist facilities, providing an exceptional learning environment for our students to reach their full potential.

Facilities include woodland and outdoor classroom space, high specification sensory room and swimming pool.

About The Role:

We’re looking for an experienced and visionary leader to join our team as Senior Education Lead, driving excellence and compliance across our specialist college.

In this pivotal role, you’ll work closely with a dedicated team of Teachers, Learning Support Workers, and governance professionals to provide highly personalised pathways for our students.

Key Responsibilities

* Champion the Quality Improvement Plan and lead on Autism Accreditation.

* Oversee teaching and learning standards through observations and data-driven insights.

* Drive staff development, performance management, and mentoring initiatives.

* Lead on quality assurance, curriculum development, and regulatory compliance, including Ofsted standards

* Collaborate with therapy teams to create a strong, therapeutic education environment.

* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and person-centred care.

Key Requirements

* Proven leadership experience in SEND education.

* Strong knowledge of Ofsted inspection criteria and quality assurance processes.

* Experience in curriculum development for specialist education.

* A recognised FE teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE).

* A visionary approach to service improvement and learner outcomes.

Not for you, but know someone who would be a good fit?

Compass Ltd are working in partnership on this position and offer £200 John Lewis vouchers for any successful referrals.

Our client is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks