THE SMITH FOUNDATION
65,000 per year
Bankside College, Hanley Castle, Worcestershire
Full-time
17th October 2025

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?



At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.


That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.


Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.


Job Title: Head of College – Quality of Education

Location: Bankside College, Hanley Castle, WR8 0AD

Salary: Up to £65,000.00 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: January 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of College to join our close-knit team at Bankside College, part of Options Autism.


About the Role

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of College. In this pivotal position, you will be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the college, ensuring it delivers on its aims and objectives in line with the broader strategy and values of Options Autism. You will be supported in this role by the Principal, working collaboratively to drive excellence and positive outcomes across the college.


Key Responsibilities

Outstanding outcomes for young people that reflect their needs, abilities and aptitudes.

A safe environment that protects the welfare of young people and staff in the college.

Meeting all statutory requirements ISS and other external bodies and achieving the highest standards possible.

A motivated staff group that is fully engaged in the goal of achieving excellence in all areas of college life and who are committed to continuing personal and professional development.

The commercial success of the college as defined by 100% occupancy, the rigorous management of costs and the development and implementation of growth plans as appropriate.

Effective strategic and operational planning, that includes self-evaluation, college improvement and delivery.

A shared vision, that fits within the overall Outcomes First Group strategy, which inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members of the college community.


Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have the following experience/qualifications

UK Qualified Teacher Status

At least three successive years’ experience as a senior leader in education

Experience of conducting performance management

Evidence of management of the curriculum and assessment

Full UK Driving Licence


About Us

Bankside College is an exciting new venture near Hanley Castle, Worcester. Working in partnership with the Outcomes First Group and Options Autism, the College will provide a Further Education experience for those aged 16 to 24 year-olds with autism, complex needs and learning disabilities. The main aim of the College is to help its students prepare for adulthood and their next stage in life.

In a new purpose-built building, situated in acres of natural beauty, Bankside College will provide a varied, individualised curriculum to enable its students to gain vocational and independence skills to help them achieve their aspirations. Our staff will work together as a cohesive team, to provide the very best experience for the students which will include practical activities, Maths, English and Digital Literacy. The curriculum will have a focus on individual targets, personal skills and enrichment which will include The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Some students will also take part in supported work experience, social enterprise programmes, and volunteering.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.


Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.


Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits

100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.


*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit


Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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