Job Title: Deputy Head of Campus – Teaching, Learning & Assessments
Job Location: Oakwood Specialist College, Yate, BS37 5JB
Salary: Between £41,371.20 and £44,928.00 per annum, based on 40 hours per week, 42.4 weeks of the year.
Contract Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover
Come and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults by helping to create a learning environment that is not only educational, but also creative, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable. Oakwood College is seeking a passionate and committed Deputy Head of Campus to join our supportive and dedicated team, providing leadership and continuity while our current Deputy Head of Campus takes time away on maternity leave.
Our curriculum isn’t defined by traditional qualifications. Instead, we follow the Post‑16 Study Programme model, offering a rich blend of learning experiences, work placements, Maths and English, and activities that prepare learners for adulthood. Many of our learners face social and emotional challenges, so our neurodiverse‑affirming approach places a strong emphasis on life skills, communication, and emotional expression. You’ll be well‑placed to champion this, as we operate within a total communication environment that supports every learner’s voice.
In this role, you’ll be a key leader, working closely with a talented team to ensure each learner’s journey is personalised, meaningful, and empowering. You’ll help shape an inclusive and inspiring environment where learners can build the confidence and skills they need for their next steps whether that’s further education, employment, or greater independence.
We’ll provide all the training, guidance, and ongoing support you need to help our learners thrive and to ensure you feel confident and valued during your time as apart of our team. .
A day in the life of a Deputy Head of Campus will involve:
- Leadership – You'll take a hands-on role in leading and shaping teaching, learning, and assessment strategies, ensuring high-quality, personalised learning programs that meet the unique needs and aspirations of each learner. Your coaching and mentoring skills will empower our teaching staff to excel and grow in their roles.
- Educational Excellence – By collaborating with teaching staff, you’ll continuously evaluate and enhance teaching practices through lesson observations, work reviews, and tailored support. You’ll also facilitate targeted training, driving a culture of continuous improvement across the team.
- Relationship Building – As a key leader, you’ll be a visible and proactive ambassador for Oakwood College, building strong relationships with learners, their families, staff, and external stakeholders. You’ll represent the college's values in the local community and beyond.
- Staff Development and Performance – You’ll oversee staff performance, ensuring that it aligns with the school’s therapeutic approach to positive behaviour. Through training, mentoring, and development opportunities, you’ll support the professional growth of your team.
- Safeguarding and Professional Growth – You’ll maintain a steadfast commitment to safeguarding and promoting learner welfare, while continually engaging in your own professional development to stay ahead of educational trends and best practices.
To be a successful Deputy Head of Campus you’ll need:
- You must hold a degree in education, with experience working in environments where learners have complex needs. Experience in planning and delivering in-house training within an FE College is highly valued.
- Proven experience in training, developing, and managing others to help them reach their full potential.
- Strong communication and networking skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams), with the ability to quickly learn new systems.
- A commitment to improving lives through inclusive and supportive education.
- A valid driving licence is required, as you may occasionally need to drive our vehicles.
In return for your time, you’ll get:
- Holidays – You’ll work 42.4 weeks of the year during term time, but you’ll be paid annual leave to cover the remaining 9.6 weeks.
- Pension scheme– Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
- Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
- Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
- Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a six weekly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
- Cycle2Work -The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
- DBS – As this role required you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
- After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.
As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.
At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.