Director of Curriculum - Education Pathways and Foundation Learning

• Company: Plumpton College
• Closing Date: 26-05-2026
• Location: Plumpton, Lewes
• Salary: Up to £59,000 per annum
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Contact Email: recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk

Description

Closing Date: 26^th May 08:00 
Assessment Centre: 1^st June 

 

Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, set within the inspiring landscape of the South Downs National Park. We deliver high-quality vocational and academic programmes from Entry Level through to Master’s degrees across nineteen specialist subject areas, including agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies. 

Our work is guided by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive and Enterprising — which shape our culture, expectations and commitment to excellence. We are proud to foster a learning environment that is learner-focused, industry-connected and future-oriented. 

We are now seeking an outstanding and forward-thinking leader to take on the pivotal role of Director of Curriculum – Education Pathways and Foundation Learning. This senior leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, growth and long-term sustainability of an important and distinctive area of the College’s provision. 

As Director, you will provide visionary leadership across Education Pathways and Foundation Learning, ensuring programmes are ambitious, inclusive and responsive to learner need, local priorities and national policy. The role will be central to strengthening Plumpton College’s reputation as a recognised regional leader in 14–16 education and post-16 Supported Learning within a land-based context. 

In this role, you will: 

• Set and deliver a clear strategic vision for Education Pathways and Foundation Learning, ensuring the curriculum is high quality, inclusive and future-focused.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with schools, multi-academy trusts, local authorities, employers, parents, carers and other stakeholders to strengthen learner pipelines and progression routes.
• Lead and inspire managers and teams, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Ensure consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, promoting innovation, effective use of digital technologies and strong learner progress.
• Oversee divisional operations, including budgets, staffing, timetabling, recruitment activity, open events and resource deployment, ensuring sustainable and efficient provision.
• Provide strategic oversight of the learner journey from pre-enrolment through to induction, support and progression, ensuring students and families feel informed, confident and well supported.
• Drive quality assurance, self‑assessment and improvement planning in close collaboration with Teaching, Learning and Quality colleagues. 
• Contribute to wider College leadership, planning and policy through active membership of the College Management Team and external representation of the College. 

This is a strategic and influential role with significant scope to shape the future of inclusive education, transition and supported learning at Plumpton College and to make a lasting impact on learner outcomes and progression. 

About You 

We are seeking a collaborative, ambitious and strategic leader with a strong commitment to learner success, inclusion and educational excellence. You will bring: 

• Proven experience of successfully overseeing Key Stage 3 and 4 provision in a school or comparable education environment.
• Significant sector experience and specialist knowledge in 14–16 education and supported learning.
• A strong track record of leading and managing teams, with the ability to inspire colleagues, develop managers and deliver sustained high performance.
• Experience of leading change, driving improvement and securing strong learner outcomes, progression and quality indicators.
• A relevant professional or vocational qualification, or a degree.
• A teaching and/or assessing qualification.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, student welfare and inclusive practice, with a clear understanding of how to support vulnerable learners and those with SEND.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with confidence using data and management information to inform planning and decision-making.
• Effective budget management skills and the ability to deliver financially sustainable provision.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and collaborative working. 

A management qualification and/or a postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s degree or PhD would be welcomed but is not essential. 

You’ll Benefit From 

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency closure days at Christmas. The role is eligible for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. 

Staff benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities, supported by a strong coaching culture and structured induction. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive and supportive working environment. 

Additional benefits include eligibility for TOTUM and Blue Light Cards, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. 

Our commitment to wellbeing, equality and sustainability is reflected through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and a strong sense of community across the College. 

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and to eliminating unfair discrimination in all its forms. 

Plumpton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Apply now to play a leading role in shaping inclusive education pathways and foundation learning at Plumpton College, and to make a lasting impact on learners, families and the wider community.