Head of Curriculum

Full details of the job.

Vacancy Name

Vacancy Name Head of Curriculum

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number VN2679

Location City

Location City Hybrid

Employment Type

Employment Type Permanent

About us

We’re a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE’s ‘Golden Thread’ (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the job

Main Purpose of the Role

• The Head of Curriculum will provide strategic leadership for the development, coordination and continuous improvement of all apprenticeship curricula within the Qualifications and Training Practice. The role will ensure a consistent, high-quality and innovative approach to teaching, learning and assessment across all apprenticeship programmes
• Working closely with Curriculum Managers, Delivery Managers, Quality and Operations, the Head of Curriculum will lead the design and implementation of a cohesive curriculum strategy that meets apprenticeship standards, regulatory requirements and employer needs
• The post holder will promote pedagogical excellence, drive innovation in online learning and ensure the effective integration of emerging technologies to enhance learner engagement, progress and achievement

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Curriculum Leadership

Provide strategic oversight and leadership for curriculum design and development across all apprenticeship programmes.

Lead a coordinated and consistent approach to curriculum planning across sectors, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, regulatory frameworks and employer requirements.

Line manage Curriculum Managers to ensure all programmes are effectively designed, implemented and continuously improved.

Ensure programmes provide high-quality learning experiences that support learner engagement, progression and timely achievement.

Support the development and implementation of new apprenticeship programmes and revisions to existing standards.

Work collaboratively with the Apprenticeships Director, Quality Director and Senior Leadership Team to ensure the curriculum supports organisational priorities and growth.

Ensure all curriculums have comprehensive plans that meet Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework requirements and be responsible for curriculum, teaching and training including contributing to inspections.

Be responsible for the curriculums and delivery of a portfolio of innovative and market-led learning programmes ensuring their viability and value for money, quality and effectiveness in line with companies’ plans and policies.

Ensure the management and reporting of booking and attendance of the online classrooms is effectively managed so they are fully staffed and timetabled according to employer needs.

Curriculum Design and Development

Oversee the development and continuous review of curriculum frameworks, schemes of work, lesson plans and teaching resources across all programmes.

Ensure programmes are designed in line with apprenticeship standards, End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) requirements and funding regulations.

Maintain and continually develop working knowledge of qualification curricula and apprenticeship standards across all sectors delivered.

Ensure programmes are effectively implemented, updated and maintained on digital learning platforms and e-portfolio systems.

Work closely with design and e-learning colleagues to ensure high-quality learning materials are produced and maintained.

Ensure programmes are designed so that Learning Support is effectively integrated into courses in order that the work may be contextualised to the vocational area where appropriate.

Ensure programmes are designed so that opportunities are created and realised for learners to be able to continuously develop their English and maths skills and/or to achieve the level required by the programmes.

Ensure the team provides all materials for BPN Boost (our Personal Development programme), that they are appropriate and up to date for all programmes. This includes webinars, podcasts and learning materials and the scheduling and delivery of webinars.

Digital Learning and Technology Integration

Lead the strategic development of digital learning approaches across the apprenticeship provision.

Research and implement emerging technologies to enhance and develop engaging online teaching resources and curriculum delivery.

Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to carry out pedagogical research and support the integration of technology within virtual learning platforms and environments.

Evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning and training programmes to ensure their impact is measurable and cost-effective.

Monitor learner engagement, performance and progress using Learning Management System (LMS) reporting tools.

Provide training and guidance to delivery teams on the effective use of new technologies and digital learning resources.

Ensure digital teaching approaches promote inclusive and accessible learning for all apprentices.

Leadership and Team Development

Provide leadership and professional support to Curriculum Managers and wider curriculum teams.

Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the curriculum function.

Support staff development through mentoring, coaching and professional development opportunities.

Ensure staff receive appropriate training in the use of digital learning technologies and curriculum resources.

Foster a culture of high expectations, professionalism and learner-centred practice.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

Ensure all curriculum areas maintain high standards of teaching, learning and assessment.

Work with Curriculum Managers and Delivery Managers to ensure programmes are consistently inspection ready.

Monitor programme performance, including learner attendance, retention, completion and achievement.

Contribute to the development of Self-Assessment Reports (SAR) and oversee Self-Assessment Monitoring (SAM) processes across curriculum areas.

Lead initiatives to improve quality and ensure continuous development of the curriculum.

Ensure statutory, regulatory and organisational policies relating to curriculum delivery are consistently applied.

Professional Development and Research

Maintain personal professional development through networking with educators, sector bodies and industry partners.

Research new teaching methodologies, technologies and working practices to support curriculum innovation and improvement.

Ensure knowledge of sector developments, curriculum standards and apprenticeship frameworks remains current.

Administration and Reporting

Provide regular reports to the Apprenticeships Director and Senior Leadership Team on curriculum performance and development.

Analyse programme data to inform strategic decision-making and quality improvement.

Ensure programme documentation and records are accurately maintained within organisational systems.

Other

Manage time effectively to meet organisational priorities and operational requirements.

Attend organisational meetings and the office as required.

Any other duties connected with the post as are reasonably required from time to time

Equality & Diversity

Support and promote equality and diversity at Best Practice Network to ensure equality of opportunity for all students, visitors and staff and the elimination of discriminatory practices.

Safeguarding

Support and promote the safeguarding agenda at Best Practice Network to ensure students, visitors and staff are safeguarded.

About you

• Passionate and excited about learning
• Inclusive and supportive
• Responsive to student, employer and community needs
• Always aspiring to the highest standards
• Professional and enterprising
• Innovative and creative
• Friendly and welcoming

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge/Qualities

The success of Best Practice Network rests on a very strongly felt and shared set of values which determine its strategic direction. It is crucial that the successful candidate shares our values of student‑centredness, equality of opportunity and parity of esteem for staff and students.

At Best Practice Network we are:

• Passionate and excited about learning
• Inclusive and supportive
• Responsive to student, employer and community needs
• Always aspiring to the highest standards
• Professional and enterprising
• Innovative and creative
• Friendly and welcoming

The following criteria are used to shortlist applicants and assess candidates. Please show evidence of how you meet these criteria in your application.

Essential Criteria

Significant experience of curriculum development within apprenticeships, further education or work‑based learning – Application / Interview
Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards and qualification frameworks – Application / Interview
Experience of leading curriculum teams and supporting staff development – Application / Interview
Experience of quality assurance processes within education or training – Application / Interview
Experience of integrating technology and digital learning within curriculum delivery – Application / Interview
Strong understanding of learning management systems and e‑portfolio platforms – Application / Interview
Ability to analyse performance data to drive improvement – Application / Interview
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills – Application / Interview
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) – Application
Level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications – Application
Certificates Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and digital learning platforms – Application / Interview
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work strategically – Interview

Desirable Criteria

Teaching, assessing or internal quality assurance qualification – Application
Experience within an apprenticeship training provider – Application
Experience implementing digital learning strategies – Application
Experience contributing to Ofsted inspections and quality improvement planning – Application / Interview

What we Offer

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan, once you’ve passed probation, which includes access to a private GP
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary
• We’ll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you’ve passed probation – this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days – 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.