Head of Centre

Head of Centre

Red Balloon Aylesbury

Location: Aylesbury

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: up to £50,000 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Working pattern: 36 weeks during term-time plus two weeks a year out of term time (i.e. a total of 38 weeks)

Start Date: April 2025

Role

Red Balloon Aylesbury will be the newest centre within the Red Balloon Educational Trust family and we are seeking a Head of Centre to turn our new site into a thriving educational and wellbeing space.

Red Balloon helps young people between the ages of 11 and 19 who have self-excluded from mainstream school for various reasons, including Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

The Head of Centre plays a crucial role in the educational development and management of a centre. This position requires exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and a deep commitment to fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth for both vulnerable learners and professional staff. Heads of Centres are responsible for setting the culture, ambition and regulatory compliance and ensuring that the centre operates smoothly, effectively and aligned to the expectations of the Red Balloon name.

Some key responsibilities of this role include:

Leadership & Management:

  • Strategic Planning: Develop and implement the Centre’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives. Ensure alignment with educational standards and regulations.
  • Staff Supervision: Manage, mentor, and support teaching and administrative staff. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
  • Curriculum Development: Oversee the design and implementation of the Centre curriculum. Ensure that it meets the educational needs of the learners and complies with national standards.
  • Resource Management: Allocate resources effectively, including budgeting, facilities management, and procurement of educational materials.

Educational Leadership:

  • Modelled Leadership: Promote high standards of teaching and learning. Implement innovative teaching practices and monitor classroom performance.
  • Student Achievement: Set academic targets and monitor student progress. Implement interventions to support learners who are struggling in any context.
  • Assessment and Evaluation: Oversee standardised testing and internal assessments. Analyse data to drive improvements in teaching and learning.
  • Parental Involvement: Foster strong relationships with parents and guardians. Communicate regularly about student progress and Centre events.

Community Engagement:

  • Community Partnerships: Build partnerships with commissioning bodies, local multi-agency organisations, and educational institutions to enhance the Centre’s programs and opportunities for learners.
  • Public Relations: Represent the Centre at community events and in the media. Promote the Centre’s achievements and initiatives.

To be considered for this role as a minimum you will need:

Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership abilities, with the capacity to inspire and motivate staff and learners.

Communication: Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to articulate the Centre’s vision and goals clearly.

Decision-Making: Exhibit sound judgement and decision-making skills. Ability to analyse complex problems and develop effective solutions.

Interpersonal Skills: Build positive relationships with learners, staff, parents, and the community. Show empathy and understanding.

Organizational Skills: Manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. Demonstrate strong planning and time-management abilities.

Qualifications:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred.

Experience: Significant experience in teaching and educational administration. Previous experience as a Head of Centre or in a senior leadership role is advantageous.

Certification: Relevant teaching certification and administrative credentials as required by the local education authority.

Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of educational trends and best practices.

 

For full details of the role, please refer to the Job Description.

View more details below.

In line with safer recruitment practices, we are only able to accept applications via our application forms, which can be accessed by following the application link above. You can save your application at any point and come back to it at a later stage.

Closing Date

  • The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 7th April 2025
  • Early applications are advised and will be reviewed on receipt and interviews scheduled
  • Start date: April 2025
  • All applicants will be advised if they have been shortlisted for an interview.

 

Red Balloon Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires the successful candidate to commit to this. The person appointed will be subjected to an enhanced DBS check.

Red Balloon Educational Trust is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or marital status.