Application Deadline: 7 April 2025
Department: Academic Studies
Location: Liverpool
Compensation: £54,852 / year
Employment Type: Permanent
35 hour working week
The Dean of Academic Studies is a key leadership role, providing expertise and managing the curriculum design and implementation of provision from Level 1 and above, with a particular focus and demonstrable track record of excellence in the operational management of A-level provision in particular. The School of Academic Studies is a diverse curriculum area, ranging from Level 1 and Business courses to a full A-Level programme, and GCSEs in science and the social sciences. Working with the Director of Academic Studies and Higher Education, the role will lead and support the implementation of a consistent research-informed pedagogical approach to all academic studies programmes with significant summative assessment, drawing upon international best practice and regional and national policies and expectations. The role will also ensure consistency in the implementation of end-to-end transition management through the student journey from first point of contact to progression within all areas. The post-holder will use these links to enhance the curriculum offer and teachers' knowledge and skills, leveraging these relationships to support the role of dual professionals.
In addition to ensuring the delivery of an outstanding student experience, the Dean of Academic Studies will develop relationships with, and be a key link for, awarding organisations, employers, educational institutions, and industry trailblazers within the city region and beyond.
The Dean of Academic Studies is a member of the Wider Leadership Team (WLT). The post-holder manages three Assistant Deans of Academic Studies and will support other members of the WLT in delivering an outstanding student experience across all aspects of the learner journey. The Dean of Academic Studies will, from time to time, deputise for the Director of Academic Studies and Higher Education.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the College's strategic and operational delivery of A Level and GCSE study programmes, and associated science, business and accounting programmes, with due account of the College's overall strategic plan and the social, economic, and educational context of the Liverpool City Region.
* Lead the effective planning, development and delivery of a diverse and responsive curriculum within A Level and GCSE study programmes, effectively meeting student, higher education institutions, employer and key stakeholder demand.
* Support the development and implementation of the college's teaching, learning and assessment strategy, providing pedagogical leadership with regards to A Level and GCSE best practice, including curriculum design and implementation, within a supportive framework for all colleagues in their ongoing development as inspirational teaching professionals, leading to outstanding student outcomes and progression.
* Implement strategies that provide meaningful mitigations for the effect of lost learning during national and local lockdowns for A Level and GCSE study programmes and associated science, business and accounting programmes.
* Support and promote the College's EDI strategy, translating this into operational actions that strengthen the approach and deliver meaningful accomplishments within GCSE and A Level study programmes, developing learners and staff as advocates and allies.
* Ensure high expectations, achievement and progression are effectively promoted and measured throughout the learner journey for all students within A Level and GCSE study programmes, including the most disadvantaged and those with learning difficulties and / or disabilities, supporting the College in meeting the strategic goal of turning disadvantage to advantage.
* Support the continuing development of an integrated approach to the learner across the delivery of curriculum, learning support and student wellbeing, centring the student at the heart of the College experience.
* Contribute to the College's strategic and business planning processes to ensure efficiency and high performance in A Level and GCSE Study Programmes and support the development of 2, 3 and 5 year plans which are informed by industry and an expert understanding of upcoming knowledge and skill requirements across Liverpool City Region priority areas.
* Undertake effective financial management including through the appropriate utilisation of college resources including facilities, technology and people within A Level and GCSE Study Programmes and associated science, business, and accounting programmes.
* Drive high expectations and high performance consistently across A Level and GCSE Study Programmes to secure the College's position as 'best in class' in both curriculum delivery and support for learners.
* Engage in the clear, timely and robust self-assessment of the quality of education and student experience across Academic Studies through proactive participation in quality assurance and improvement measures and prepare the College for inspections and external audit processes.
* Implement mechanisms that ensure individuals and teams within A Level and GCSE Study Programmes are developed and challenged to secure the best possible student experience that leads to a positive 'next step' and 'future steps' for the learner within the framework of higher education, further education, training, or employment.
* Implement strategies that ensure education within A Level and GCSE Study supports students' knowledge and skills beyond the academic, technical, or vocational, through the development and effective implementation of a wide range of personal development and progression opportunities linked to building confident and resilient students.
* Ensure the consistent implementation of progress measures and associated interventions across A Level and GCSE study programmes, to support learners in meeting aspirational grade targets and progression outcomes.
* To contribute fully to the mission and values of the college Group ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of college life.
* To take a proactive approach to Health and Safety requirements at all times.
* Be committed to the Safeguarding of children and young people.
* To act as an ambassador for the College, promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
* To carry out such other relevant and appropriate duties within the framework of a post of this grade that may from time to time be required at a location determined by the needs of the service.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Criteria
* Proven, consistent delivery of success as the accountable person for improving student outcomes for GCSE and particularly A Levels over consecutive years as the leader of a college department / team.
* Relevant qualifications and / or experience.
* Professional or teaching qualification.
* Proven ability to consistently embed robust and researched-informed pedagogical approaches in an Academic Curriculum that support all learners to succeed and thrive as individuals.
* Robust knowledge of study programme strategies and associated national expectations and policies.
* Robust knowledge of research-informed approaches to addressing disadvantage and supporting learners to succeed.
* Ability to lead the consistent use of diagnostic tools to identify learners' starting points and needs to support personalised progression over the lifetime of the learner.
* Proven ability to challenge, mentor & coach – a developer of a high-performance culture, intolerant of underperformance and a track record of securing buy-in and support through constructive challenge.
* A positive role model and the ability to be a positive ambassador for the College.
* Committed to own continuous professional development – focused on the very best in pedagogy.
* A commitment to addressing the impact of bias, discrimination and injustice through a proactive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Willingness & ability to engage with current technologies and embrace diverse and evolving technologies & pedagogy to ensure a modern and effective student experience.
Desirable Criteria
* Successful experience in developing and leading upon cross-college strategies, establishing credibility with a wide range of colleagues as part of an effective matrix management approach.
* Good understanding of OFSTED, SAR processes and quality inspection regimes, including successful experience of preparing for inspection.
Benefits
We really care about our people. As a member of College staff, you will have access to a wide range of benefits, wellbeing services and opportunities for professional development.
These include:
* Generous annual leave - We offer the highest holiday entitlement in the City Region.
* Competitive salary - Our salaries are the highest within FE in the City Region.
* Access to our Employee Benefits Platform, offering hundreds of discounts and savings.
* Wellbeing support - Access to a free, independent and confidential 24 hour counselling support, as well as general wellbeing and lifestyle support through our platform and app.
* Pension Scheme - Excellent pension provision, with memberships of Local Government Scheme, Teachers Pension Scheme and Aviva, depending on the role.
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