Course Leader

Course Leader

Department: Childcare & Health
Salary: £36,578 to £42,391 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent | Full time, 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2461 | Closing Date: Sunday 9th August 2026

The Opportunity

Due to the continued growth of our adult provision, we are seeking an ambitious and passionate Course Leader to help drive the next stage of development and ensure adult education remains accessible to all adults across the local authority. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping provision that meets these needs while supporting learners to achieve their personal and professional ambitions.

Whether you are an established Course Leader with a proven track record in adult education or an experienced teacher looking to take the next step into curriculum leadership, this could be the challenge you have been looking for. You will join a dedicated and highly motivated team that is passionate about providing all learners with access to exceptional educational opportunities and supporting their progression into the sectors and careers of their choice.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Course Leader, you will lead and develop adult learning programmes across Health, Social Care, Childcare and Education, ensuring a high‑quality learning experience that supports learner achievement, progression and success. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering curriculum provision that meets the needs of adult learners while responding to local skills priorities and employer demands.

You will contribute to curriculum development and innovation, helping to expand and enhance the adult education offer through the creation of engaging programmes that support progression into employment, higher education and professional practice. Working closely with colleagues, employers and external partners, you will ensure the curriculum remains relevant, accessible and aligned to workforce requirements.

You will monitor learner performance, attendance, retention and achievement, implementing strategies that support positive outcomes and learner progression. You will also provide effective academic and pastoral support, helping learners overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

Alongside curriculum leadership, you will contribute to recruitment, enrolment and promotional activities, supporting the continued growth of adult learning provision and helping to widen participation across Barnsley and the surrounding communities.

About You

You will be a passionate and learner‑focused education professional with experience of delivering high‑quality teaching and supporting learners to achieve their goals. You may already be an experienced Course Leader, or an ambitious teacher looking to progress into your first curriculum leadership role.

You will have a strong understanding of adult education and a genuine commitment to widening participation and improving life chances through learning. You will recognise the transformative impact education can have on individuals, families and communities and be motivated by helping learners realise their ambitions.

You will be confident in developing innovative curriculum solutions, building strong relationships with employers, universities and external partners, and responding proactively to local and regional skills priorities. Strong communication and organisational skills will enable you to work effectively across teams while maintaining a clear focus on learner success and curriculum excellence.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and supporting learners to progress into careers within the Health, Social Care, Childcare and Education sectors.

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Teaching qualification (must be willing to work towards Level 6 PGCE if not already held)
• Relevant Level 6 qualification
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 qualification)
• A minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience
• Knowledge of curriculum review, development and planning strategies as appropriate
• Ability to devise strategies to improve attendance, retention, achievement and pass rates

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress 
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App

The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday 9th August 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
 

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low‑carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy