Director of Lifeskills

About the Role

Director of LifeskillsWe are seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to shape the future of our Lifeskills provision. As Director of Lifeskils, you will lead the design, development and delivery of an outstanding learning experience, ensuring students, apprentices and staff thrive within a high-performance culture aligned to our Learning Philosophy and learner journey.In this pivotal role, you will drive excellence across curriculum delivery, champion continuous improvement and raise educational standards. You will lead high-performing teams, oversee quality assurance and create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.Working closely with industry partners, you will ensure our curriculum remains relevant, innovative and future-focused, while supporting staff development and aligning faculty performance with Activate Learning’s strategic objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead outstanding curriculum delivery aligned to our Learning Philosophy and learner journeyDrive staff development through the Triple Professional approach (pedagogy, professional and digital)Teaching a small cohort of 16-19 learners in English and Maths sessions to update their knowledgeRespond strategically to curriculum reform and local and national prioritiesStrengthen stakeholder engagement (2C’s and 2E’s) to enhance curriculum relevance and student experienceChampion staff wellbeing and foster a collaborative, high-performance cultureEnsure accountability, inspection readiness and continuous quality improvementDeliver Faculty targets for retention, progress and achievementPlan and manage resources effectively to optimise deliveryThis is a full time, permanent position working across Oxfordshire, including Banbury, Blackbird Leys and City of Oxford. What do you need to be successful as a Director of Lifeskills at Activate Learning?The successful candidate will bring strong SEND, Foundation and Adult & Community sector expertise alongside a proven track record of inspiring others, raising teaching and learning standards and leading impactful curriculum development.You will demonstrate experience in leading change, building industry partnerships and designing future-ready learning experiences that respond to evolving workforce needs.We are seeking someone who is:Commercially aware and strategically mindedCollaborative and people-focusedAn excellent communicator with strong organisational skillsCreative, solutions-oriented and resilientApproachable, optimistic and aligned with Activate Learning’s core values

You will also hold

A relevant professional qualification and teaching qualification in a Lifeskills disciplineProven success in curriculum leadership, raising standards and meeting performance targetsDemonstrated ability to lead and influence high-performing teams and foster a resilient, collaborative cultureWho we areActivate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits

Here are some of our benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.

Wellbeing & Resources Groups

Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing

Company benefits

Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.

Learning and Development

continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.

Teaching Support

Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.

Pension Schemes

Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff

Generous Annual Leave

Up to 6 weeks paid leave

Competitive salaries

Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.

On-Site Facilities

Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our work-with-us/wellbeingApplicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note

Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.