We’re here to create and harness knowledge, to deliver opportunity for everyone.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of the School of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to join one of England’s largest and highest‑performing ITE providers, within a dynamic and forward‑thinking Faculty of Education. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the strategic and operational delivery of ITE provision across all age phases.
Working closely with the Head of School and Associate Heads, you will shape the quality, direction and future development of the School’s ITE portfolio. You will lead partnership and placement strategy, ensuring high‑quality, compliant and sustainable provision that enhances trainee outcomes, employability, growth and income generation.
You will have a strong focus on quality assurance, inspection readiness and regulatory compliance, using performance data and partnership intelligence to drive continuous improvement and support successful Ofsted outcomes. You will also play a key role in digital transformation, leading the development of digitally enabled partnership systems and placement infrastructure to improve efficiency, scalability and engagement.
As Deputy Head of School, you will deputise for the Head of School when required, provide senior leadership across staff and external stakeholders, and contribute to strengthening the School’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally. Throughout the role, you will champion the moral purpose of teacher education and its impact on children and young people.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Executive Dean (Faculty of Education), at okeeffeh@edgehill.ac.uk. and Professor Andy Smith, Deputy Dean, (Faculty of Education) at Smithand@edgehill.ac.uk
About You
You will be a credible and experienced educational leader with significant expertise in Initial Teacher Education and a strong record of senior strategic leadership. You will have a clear understanding of current ITE frameworks, curriculum and inspection requirements, and the opportunities and challenges facing ITE in England.
You will bring proven experience of building and sustaining high‑quality partnerships with schools, multi‑academy trusts and sector organisations, particularly in relation to placements. You will be confident engaging external stakeholders at strategic level and strengthening partnerships that support quality, growth and improvement.
You will have experience of quality assurance, regulatory compliance and inspection readiness, with the ability to use performance data to inform strategic decision‑making. Experience of leading digital innovation to support partnership management, placements or curriculum delivery will be an advantage.
As a leader, you will be collaborative, inclusive and values‑driven, with experience of line management and staff development. You will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and motivated by the moral purpose of teacher education and its impact on children and young people.
At Edge Hill University, we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and welcome applications from all sections of society.
Rewards & Benefits
A minimum of 38 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank holiday and University closure days)
Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.
Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
About Us
At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.
Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.
Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.
Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.