Head of Education – Academy

Role Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Academy’s education provision reflects the strategy and performance targets set in the Academy Performance Plan.
• To provide education progress reports for all Academy players and communicate/engage with parents and guardians where appropriate.
• To ensure the education programme and all associated documentation meets EPPP requirements.
• To ensure all Academy players receive performance reviews relevant to each phase and at a time stipulated by EPPP development rules.
• To hold Parent/Player reviews relevant to phase and EPPP development rules.
• To manage and safely store all education data related to players academic progress in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
• To attend any training or CPD delivered by FA/PL/EFL/LFE to support Academy players.
• With the Player Care team, plan and facilitate the delivery of enrichment activities on and off-site to support the holistic development of the Academy players.
• To develop and maintain links with all Academy players schools and parents to ensure there is transparency in the aims and objectives of our programme.
• To support the Player Care team with additional learning, UCAS applications, scholarships for both players progressing within the club and those not offered contracts.
• To maintain and develop links with education departments of the national bodies and liaise when players attend national camps and fixtures.
• To demonstrate consistently high standards of behaviour and to operate within the parameters of the laws of the game, the rules of the Football Association, the Premier League and the EFL.
• Engage in continuous professional development.
• Liaise with the Academy DSO and Player Care team regarding any player or staff well-being matters.

Core Duties

• Leading the education delivery programme for the academy, including delivery of the BTEC and WBAC qualifications.
• Work closely with education partners on the A-Level programme.
• Liaise with external organisations to deliver additional vocational training.
• Track, monitor and internally verify the educational progression of all Academy players and make necessary interventions when appropriate before submission for external verification.
• Ensure all education is administered and delivered in line with education partners, awarding bodies, auditing body, League Football Education, English Football League requirements.
• Communicate and promote the Academy culture creating an innovative environment for the development of young players.
• Actively engage in a fully functioning competency framework and integrated appraisal process.
• Ensure compliance with all the Policies and Procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, paying particular regard to the Equal Opportunities Policy and Health & Safety Policy and procedures at all times.

Person Specification

Essential

• BEd, BA, or BSc degree or equivalent.
• QTS teaching qualification.
• Teaching experience at secondary, higher education or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the ESTYN / OFSTED inspection framework including safeguarding and well-being provisions and thresholds.
• Experience of the Academy, OFSTED or ESTYN audit process.
• Experience of working in a high-performance environment.
• Effective planning, organisational and implementation skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and schedules to meet strategic objectives/timescales.
• Ability to lead a team and programme, have multi-disciplinary approach and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build strong links and networks with local schools and education providers, and the wider community stakeholders.
• Ability to relate to, communicate with, and motivate young people to achieve, regardless of their previous educational attainment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive decision maker, with the ability to manage others and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Has the highest level of integrity and confidentiality, with the ability to contribute effectively at Senior Management level.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering the Pearson BTEC in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training.

Applications should be sent to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals.