Head of Programmes - Huddersfield

Location: Huddersfield (Woodlands Campus)

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000

Contract: Permanent | 37.5 Hours per Week | Term Time Only (41 Weeks)

Imagine leading a specialist education provision where classrooms are replaced with woodlands, wildlife habitats and outdoor learning spaces.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a unique post-16 specialist provision based within a stunning woodland and environmental setting in Huddersfield. Working alongside dedicated education professionals, you'll help shape an innovative curriculum that uses nature, conservation and outdoor learning to inspire neurodivergent young people aged 16-24 to develop confidence, independence and employability skills.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and believe some of the best learning happens outside the traditional classroom, we'd love to hear from you.

As Head of Programmes, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across two specialist campuses, including an exceptional woodland-based campus set within a working environmental and conservation setting.

You'll lead a team delivering highly personalised study programmes where learners engage with real-world projects centred around:

• Environmental education
• Conservation and biodiversity
• Woodland and countryside learning
• Horticulture and land-based skills
• Outdoor learning
• Employability and supported internships
• Personal development and independence

Working closely with curriculum teams, families and external partners, you'll ensure every learner receives an outstanding educational experience that prepares them for adulthood and meaningful progression.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading high-quality post-16 study programmes across multiple campuses.
• Driving outstanding teaching, learning and curriculum innovation.
• Developing and inspiring multidisciplinary teams through coaching and leadership.
• Leading SEND provision, EHCP implementation and learner-centred planning.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and championing student wellbeing.
• Monitoring learner progress, attendance and destinations to drive continuous improvement.
• Building strong relationships with families, local authorities, employers and community partners.
• Ensuring compliance with Ofsted, DfE funding requirements and SEND legislation.
• Creating an aspirational culture where students flourish both academically and personally.

We're looking for an experienced education leader who has:

• Leadership experience within Further Education, specialist education or SEND provision.
• Experience supporting learners with SEND and EHCPs.
• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of post-16 education, quality assurance and curriculum development.
• Excellent people management and coaching skills.
• A collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for inclusive education.
• The ability to build meaningful partnerships with employers, community organisations and external stakeholders.

Opportunities like this don't come along often.

Rather than leading provision in a traditional college environment, you'll be helping shape education within an inspiring woodland campus where nature becomes part of the curriculum.

You'll work with passionate colleagues who believe every young person deserves an education tailored to their strengths, interests and aspirations, while making a genuine difference to the lives of neurodivergent learners.

If you're looking for a leadership role where you can combine strategic impact with a truly unique learning environment, we'd love to speak with you.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Dovetail and Slate Ltd ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters.

© Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency.