Deputy Head - Pathways

Deputy Head - Pathways

Location: Salisbury

Are you ready to take the next step in your education career? Whether you're an experienced curriculum leader or looking to move into your first Deputy Head role, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of learners within our Pathways provision at Wiltshire College & University Centre.

As our new Deputy Head – Pathways, you will play a key leadership role in supporting learners with a wide range of additional needs, aspirations and progression goals. You will help shape an inclusive, ambitious and learner-centred curriculum that enables students to develop independence, confidence, employability skills and successful progression into further education, employment, supported living or community participation.

In this key role, you will support the Head of Faculty in leading and developing our Pathways provision, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across programmes. You will champion inclusive practice, support curriculum innovation, and work closely with curriculum teams, support services, parents, carers, employers and external agencies to provide outstanding learner experiences and outcomes.

To support your leadership responsibilities, this role includes up to 50% remission from teaching duties, providing dedicated time to focus on curriculum development, staff support, quality improvement, learner progression and strategic priorities across the department.

This is your opportunity to inspire staff, enhance learner outcomes and help shape provision that transforms lives through education, independence and opportunity.

What We Offer

Salary: £42,511 rising to £44,419 per year

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Outstanding Benefits

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme – secure your future with an excellent pension

• Generous Holiday Entitlement – 35 days paid annual leave plus 8 days paid bank holidays

• College closure and wellbeing days – including a 2-week paid Christmas closure

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential wellbeing, legal, and financial support

• Free On-Site Gyms – available across multiple campuses

• Lifestyle Discounts – savings on retail, technology, travel, and leisure

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme – save money while staying active

• Professional Development – training, certifications, and career progression opportunities

• Additional Perks – discounted meals, hair & beauty services, and reduced attraction entry

A leadership role with benefits that support your life today and your future tomorrow.

What You’ll Do

• Support the strategic leadership and operational management of Pathways provision across the College.

• Drive high-quality teaching, learning and assessment that improves learner achievement, personal development and progression outcomes.

• Lead curriculum planning, innovation and quality improvement initiatives that meet the needs of learners with additional learning needs and disabilities.

• Support and develop teaching and support staff through coaching, mentoring and performance management.

• Monitor learner progress and implement effective interventions to improve attendance, retention, achievement and progression.

• Champion inclusive practice, learner-centred approaches and high aspirations for all students.

• Develop strong partnerships with parents, carers, employers, community organisations and external agencies to enhance learner opportunities and experiences.

• Contribute to self-assessment, inspection readiness and continuous improvement planning across the faculty.

• Support the development of employability, independence and life skills pathways that prepare learners for successful futures.

What You’ll Bring

• A recognised teaching qualification (Level 4 or above).

• Significant teaching experience within Pathways, SEND, Foundation Learning, Supported Learning or a related curriculum area.

• Experience of curriculum leadership, programme management or departmental coordination within Further Education or a similar setting.

• A strong understanding of inclusive education, EHCP processes and supporting learners with diverse needs.

• Knowledge of current Further Education priorities, SEND reforms and curriculum requirements.

• Experience of quality assurance processes and curriculum improvement strategies.

• A passion for improving outcomes, independence and life chances for learners.

• Excellent communication, organisational and people management skills.

• The ability to motivate, inspire and support both staff and students in a dynamic educational environment.

Why Choose This Path?

• An opportunity to shape and influence a life-changing curriculum that supports learners to achieve their full potential.

• A collaborative and supportive leadership team committed to inclusion, excellence and continuous improvement.

• The chance to make a meaningful difference to learner achievement, confidence, independence and progression.

• A culture that values innovation, wellbeing, diversity and professional growth.

• Opportunities for further leadership development within a forward-thinking college group.

Make a move that truly pays off

If you're ready to help lead outstanding Pathways provision at Wiltshire College & University Centre and support learners to build confidence, independence and successful futures, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note:

Your Application Form will be shortlisted against how your skills, qualifications and experience match the Essential and Desirable points on the Person Specification for this role, located at the bottom of this page as a downloadable document.

Vacancies may close early if sufficient applications have been received; therefore, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Safer Recruitment

Wiltshire College & University Centre follows Safer Recruitment Guidance outlined by the Department for Education in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. This involves conducting enhanced DBS checks, including checks against the children’s barred list, and other employment verifications, including an online presence review for shortlisted candidates.

We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities.

Closing date: 30th June 2026

Shortlist date: 1st July 2026

Interview date: 9th July 2026