Supply Pool - Interim Head of Learning Support

College Group; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in North East England seeks an Interim Head of Learning Support to provide strategic leadership in SEND services. The role demands a credible leader with experience in Further Education, capable of ensuring compliance with SEND standards and delivering high-quality support to learners. You will oversee relationships with external authorities, manage budgets, and prepare the institution for audits, making a significant impact in the educational landscape.

Qualifications

• Substantial leadership experience within Further Education or a comparable setting.
• Deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and funding frameworks.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality, compliant Learning Support services.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationships and negotiations with Local Authorities and external partners.
• Secure and maximize SEND-related funding and manage associated budgets.
• Ensure the College is prepared for Ofsted inspection and audits.

Skills

Leadership

SEND expertise

Compliance understanding

Strong communication

Budget management

Education

Experience in Further Education

Job description

The College currently administers its own supply pool of staff for assignments on a casual basis and is available for individuals who wish to undertake assessing, lecturing, learner support or administration work. Opportunities occur across the entire College in curriculum and in the various administrative centres within the College together with Adult Learning courses at various venues within the local community. Assignments can be as little as a couple hours a week up to full time working and many supply pool staff have gone on fixed term and permanent posts within the College.

New College Durham is seeking an exceptional and experienced Interim Head of Learning Support to provide strategic and operational leadership to one of the College’s most critical service areas. This is a key senior role for a highly credible, professional, and dynamic leader who can deliver impact at pace and ensure the highest standards of SEND and inclusive learning provision.

Reporting directly to the Vice Principal, the postholder will lead a comprehensive Learning Support Service that is fully embedded within the student experience and aligned to the College’s ambitious strategic priorities. The successful candidate will provide clear vision, strong leadership, and assured compliance across all SEND, EHCP, ALS, and High Needs provision, ensuring excellent outcomes for learners and confidence for external stakeholders.

This interim role requires an individual with the authority and expertise to operate at a strategic level, while also maintaining close oversight of operational delivery. You will work in partnership with curriculum leaders to drive a consistent, whole-College approach to SEND inclusion, support staff responding to emerging SEND needs, and ensure statutory responsibilities are met in full.

You will also play a central role in:

• Leading relationships and negotiations with Local Authorities and external partners
• Securing and maximising SEND‑related funding and managing associated budgets
• Ensuring the College is fully prepared for Ofsted inspection, ESFA audit, and other external scrutiny
• Driving continuous improvement through robust quality assurance and performance monitoring
• We are looking for a highly respected SEND professional with substantial leadership experience within Further Education or a comparable setting, a deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and funding frameworks, and a proven track record of delivering high‑quality, compliant, and financially sustainable Learning Support services.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader who thrives in complex environments, is confident leading change, and is motivated by improving outcomes for learners with SEND.

If you have any problems in respect of the application process then please contact us via: [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Please note, CVs are not accepted.