Head of Department for Foundation
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Lowestoft, NR32 2NB |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 30 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 26 Nov 2026 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you an inspiring educational leader with a passion for transforming lives through further education? East Coast College is seeking an ambitious and innovative Head of Department to lead our Foundation and NEET provision, driving high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement.
This is a key leadership role where you will shape a diverse and inclusive curriculum, motivate and develop teaching teams, and ensure every learner is supported to achieve their full potential. Working closely with senior leaders, you will drive quality improvement, curriculum innovation and student success whilst ensuring provision meets the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.
As Head of Department, you will lead the curriculum area, driving high performance through effective use of data, resource management, and a culture of excellence, accountability and collaboration. You will support staff development, improve outcomes, and ensure programmes meet local and industry needs.
We are looking for an experienced educational leader with a strong understanding of the FE sector, quality assurance requirements, curriculum development and safeguarding responsibilities. You will possess excellent leadership skills, a commitment to raising standards and a proven ability to inspire teams to deliver outstanding experiences for learners.
Key needs from you and the role;
• Lead and develop a high-performing curriculum team, driving excellent teaching, learning, assessment and student outcomes.
• Use performance data and quality processes effectively to improve recruitment, retention, achievement, progression and learner satisfaction.
• Develop innovative and inclusive curriculum provision that meets the needs of learners, employers and the college's strategic objectives.
• Manage budgets, staffing and resources effectively, ensuring an efficient, safe and high-quality learning environment.
• Champion safeguarding, welfare and wellbeing, ensuring all staff and students understand and comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.
Essential Experience and Qualifications
• Teaching qualification and evidence of continuous professional development.
• Degree qualification/ relevant industry experience.
• Experience of working within Further Education.
• Proven success in raising standards and leading quality improvement.
• Experience of coaching, mentoring and developing staff.
• Understanding of FE quality assurance requirements and safeguarding legislation.
What the college offers its staff
• 48 days holiday FTE (including bank holidays)
• Generous Pension - 18% Employer Contribution
• Free gym and swim membership
• Discounted access to campus salon and restaurant
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.