JOB DESCRIPTION

Job TitleVice-Principal – Curriculum & Quality

Salaryc£70k per annum

Reporting toPrincipal and Chief Executive

Responsible forFaculty Managers, including the Adult Education Manager

Quality & CIS Manager

Head of Student Servicesand Safeguarding

Purpose

As a senior postholder and in close collaboration with the Principal Chief Executive,take responsibility for the strategic leadership of the curriculum and quality improvement, responding to the needs of learners, employers and Governmentpriorities to supporta first class learning experience and exceptional performance.

Ensure that key College functions are a success including:

the learner experience

curriculum development, design and planning at all levels

curriculum leadership and management

Adult Education

learning improvement and development

English and Maths as a key function across the curriculum

Quality assurance systems and processes

effective and efficient curriculum delivery

a performance driven, motivated and highly professional academic workforce.

A responsive and competitive business-to-business commercial enterprise and business services team.

As a senior leader, deputise for the Principal & Chief Executive as required. You will promote the College’s ‘learner first’ ethos and the drive to deliver outstanding learning, teaching and assessment which improves learner outcomes and staff performance.

Main Accountabilities

Curriculum Strategy and Planning

  • In partnership with the Principal, SMT and Corporation, articulate and realise the College’s vision and strategic objectives to becomean outstanding provider serving learner needs.
  • Participate in business development and strategic planning, setting outcomes through the development and implementation of the College’s Strategic Plan and Quality Improvement Plans, as they relate to curriculum strategy and performance.
  • Design the curriculum strategy in line with market needs, local/national priorities, educational policy and stakeholder views with an ambitious vision and high expectations of what all learners can achieve.
  • Take the lead in curriculum planning and development to meet educational priorities, embedding English, Maths and higher level study skills, employability and entrepreneurial skills and the use of e-learning resources
  • Ensure the curriculum offer and delivery is responsive, innovative and well-planned to retain our competitive edge.

Leadership

  • Lead and direct the educational activities of the College, in partnership with the SMT and cross-college managers, ensuring strategies and actions have a positive impact on improving outcomes and the quality of learning, teaching and assessment for all learners.
  • Drive a positive culture of high aspirations, expectations and continuous improvement promoting the learner first ethos through line managers and appraisal of key staff
  • Raise standards through clear and realistic strategies for improving learning programmes and services, ensuring demanding targets are set and achieved throughout the organisation, and quality and performance are carefully monitored and evaluated for improvement.
  • Prepare and present reports including recommendations on the College’s curriculum and quality performance to New College’s Corporation and committees.
  • Promote and raise theCollege profile and reputation as the provider of choice and high quality.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

  • Develop and lead the drive towards success in English and Maths at all levels.
  • Develop and lead the implementation of the College’s strategy to raise standards of learning, teaching and assessment to secureoutstanding achievement rates (%retention x %pass), positive value added positive, high ratings on 16-18 performance tables and student support.
  • Be responsible for continuous improvement in the quality of learning, teaching and assessment working with relevant managers to ensure improvement through rigorous performance management and appropriate professional development.
  • Provide strategic leadership for the College’s additional learning support and Student Services team, including safeguarding, learner voice, tutorial and guidance, 14–18,19+ provision and workplace learning/ apprenticeships.
  • Motivate staff and encourage them to try new approaches and methods to support effective, learning, teaching and assessment which maximises learner success and progression.
  • In collaboration with the Vice Principal Resourcesensure curriculum leadership and development enables all staff to effectively meet College improvement targets and support the continuous professional development of staff.

Quality Assurance and improvement

  • Oversee the evaluation of the quality of the College’s provision through robust self-assessment, taking into account learner feedback to promote and develop capacity for sustainable improvement.
  • Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems are in place to maintain high standards and which identify and tackle underperformance.
  • Participate in the Principal’s & Chief Executive’s review processes to enable the continuous development, review, training, communication, compliance and evaluation of all quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Oversee relevant College policiesand procedures, ensuring they are fit for purpose, accessible, up to date and approved by the appropriate body.
  • Oversee the monitoring and improving of the quality performance of the curriculum, ensuring successful inspection, review, audit and assessment outcomes; and successfully perform the role of Nominee during Ofsted inspections/improvement visits.
  • Working with the Quality and CIS manager, monitor and interrogate performance by analysing and evaluating relevant statistical data on learners’ performance, progression and destinations, ensuring they are used to improve standards.
  • Lead the production of evaluative and robust Self-Assessment reports and Quality Improvement Plans with ambitious but realistic targets and associated actions that demonstrate impact.
  • Ensure quality assurance of sub-contracted/ franchised provision is effectively implemented and embedded into all College quality processes.

Other

  • Comply with, and implement as appropriate, all College policies and procedures with particular reference to Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Quality and Health and Safety.
  • Undertake continuing professional development as appropriate. Take a full part in the College staff development programme including the appraisal process and delivery of CPD
  • Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably required by the Principal & Chief Executive.
  • Willing to travel on College related business and a flexible approach to hours and days of work depending on College priorities and events.
  • Commit to and uphold the College’s environmental policies and aspirations for sustainable learning provision.
  • All staff at New College must comply with equalities legislation and Ofsted requirements by advancing equality of opportunity, fostering good relations between different groups of people, eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation, recognising diversity and embedding equality and inclusion in their work.

HoursFull time - minimum of 37 hours per weekover 52 working weeks

HolidayHoliday entitlement of 35 days per annum. In addition, you are entitled to 8 Bank/statutory holidays

ContractSenior Post Holder

PensionThe post holder will be eligible to joinan appropriate pension scheme

ProbationNew appointees to the College are subject to aminimum of one year’s probationary period.

Disclosure: New College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested in the event of a successful application. New College Swindon is a ‘Specified Place’.

The College operates a NO SMOKING policy.

Notes for Disabled Applicants

There is good access to most areas of the College. Manual dexterity for use of a keyboard is essential. Reasonable adaptations will be considered. Ability to travel to external events is essential.

Please note

This job description reflects the principal accountabilities of the post and identifies the level of responsibility at which the postholder will be required to work. In the interests of effective working, the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and any consequential changes will be carried out after consultation with the postholder.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Vice Principal Curriculum & Quality

Method of Assessment
The table indicates the method by which the skills/knowledge/level of competence in each area will be assessed. / Essential or Desirable / Application Form / Interview / Presentation / Test
Qualifications
Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline / E / X / X
Full Level 5 teaching qualification with extensive teaching experience across 16 – 19, adult and professional qualifications (holding full qualified teacher status) / E / X
Masters or other relevant Postgraduate qualification / D / X
Leadership/Management qualification at Level 5 / E / X
Minimum Level 2 qualifications in English & Maths (or equivalent) / E / X
Minimum Level 2 qualification in ICT / D / X
Knowledge / Previous Experience / Skills
Successfully held a senior leadership role within FE sector including annual academic planning to achieve target student numbers, leading the planning and development of the curriculum, developing and delivering active and flexible curriculum knowledge / E / X / X
Current successful working experience of driving quality improvement in teaching learning and assessment, success rates and value added / E / X / X
In-depth understanding of Ofsted methodology having experienced successful Ofsted inspections in a leadership role / E / X / X
Experience of analysis and problem solving with a successful track record of delivering change to effect success / E / X / X
High level of financial understanding to manage budgets, understand best methodology to maximise fee structures and meet agreed financial targets / E / X / X
A committed team player who works effectively through leading teams and as a team member; a critical and sensitive understanding of teaching and non-teaching staff roles. / E / X / X
Knowledge of FE sector, in particular policy developments and funding arrangements and the impact on education, training and learning. / E / X / X
Previous experience of managing a successful,business focussedcommercial enterprise within the FE Sector. / E / X
Personal Attributes
An inspirational communicator, commanding respect and creating an environment where others feel motivated and valued / E / X
Creative and innovative approaches to teaching learning and assessment / E / X
An effective communication, able to adjust pace and style according to audience and business needs. / E / X

In addition to the candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the post, the selection process will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

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Vice Principal Curriculum & Quality - December 2015