Head of School Improvement

• Job_Description_-__Head_of_School_Improvement

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

This is an exciting opportunity for an education professional to lead on the strategic development and delivery of the Council’s improvement and inclusion agenda. This role will drive forward continued improvements in performance for the Education Directorate, particularly learner outcomes across the County Borough.

The successful candidate will require a strong track record in delivering improved learner outcomes, be able to facilitate school to school collaboration, have an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, and have the ability to influence key stakeholders at both a strategic and operational level.

Full Advert

We are looking to appoint a highly driven, talented and experienced educational professional to lead on the Council’s strategic school improvement and inclusion agenda. You will provide the Council’s strategic leadership on school improvement and inclusion, with an emphasis upon ensuring that the Local Authority is providing ambitious and relevant learning experiences for all of our children and young people. You will fulfil Blaenau Gwent Council’s statutory responsibilities for education and maintain effective relationships with Headteachers, education leaders, the EAS and Estyn. Using robust data, you will hold schools to account for their performance and ensure that schools take action to address areas for concern and drive continuous improvement.

As a member of the Children, Young People and Families Leadership Team, you will contribute to the formulation of its overall strategy and play a key role in setting improvement priorities and holding the team to account for their performance. You will work closely with Elected Members, reporting on the performance of schools on a regular basis to the Council through its professional and political arrangements.

As a Council, we are very ambitious for all of our children and young people, and we are looking for someone who shares this ambition and who can demonstrate key skills and experience, including:

• proven successful senior leadership experience in an education field to include School / Local Education Authority / Inspectorate or Advisory Body
• experience of supporting successful school improvement and planning implementation
• delivering effective strategic leadership and change management
• excellent knowledge of school improvement and the role of the Local Authority in promoting school improvement and inclusion
• a thorough understanding, gained from practical experience, of how school performance and standards can be improved
• excellent interpersonal skills, drive and a commitment to maximising outcomes for all learners
• the ability to work with Elected Members and politically sensitive issues

We welcome applications from candidates who feel that they can make a positive and meaningful contribution to the progression of school improvement in Blaenau Gwent.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A comprehensive pre-employment screening process will be undertaken which will include anEnhanced Disclosure with Child Barred List.

Access to a vehicle for work purposes is a requirement of the role.

For information on the re-employment and re-engagement of former employees please refer to the Council’s Pay Policy.

About us

At Blaenau Gwent, we are passionate about the work we do and the impact we have. We empower our staff to make meaningful changes and take action to enhance our services.

Want to ask us a question?

For further information or if you would like to have an information discussion, please contact Joanne Sims – Joanne.Sims@blaenau-gwent.gov,uk

Closing Date:

Tuesday 7th October 2025 At 12:00 midnight

Stakeholder Panel

Thursday 23rd October 2025

Interview Date:

Friday 24th October 2025