ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full-time and part-time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub.
Our mission and purpose are to:
‘Enable people to recognise and develop their potential’.
We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers’. We are a Good college and have ambition to be Outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving Further Education college located on the edge of the Lake District National Park — one of the UK’s most stunning and inspiring landscapes. The area offers an exceptional quality of life, combining easy access to mountains, lakes and coastline with welcoming communities, low crime rates and a cost of living that remains refreshingly affordable compared with many parts of the UK.
The Assistant Principal for Quality, Performance and Innovation will play a pivotal role in driving the college’s ambition to be exceptional in everything we do. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of education and support for all learners, all of the time. This role champions that ambition by ensuring that teaching, learning and assessment are consistently excellent, and that every member of staff is supported, developed and empowered to deliver their very best.
Working as a key member of the senior leadership team (SLT), the post‑holder will lead the college’s quality strategy, ensuring robust quality assurance processes, high‑impact professional development, and a culture of continuous improvement. Innovation in pedagogy, curriculum design and digital practice will be central to the role, helping the college remain responsive, forward‑thinking and aligned with sector best practice.
The ideal candidate should have: -
- Significant experience in quality leadership within Further Education or a comparable educational setting.
- A strong track record of improving teaching, learning and assessment.
- A deep understanding of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework and FE and HE regulatory requirements.
- Experience of leading staff development, coaching and performance improvement.
- Experience of matrix management and the ability to influence others
- Experience of leading digital learning or pedagogical innovation.
For those seeking a rewarding leadership role alongside a balanced lifestyle, the region provides the best of both worlds: vibrant outdoor culture, space to breathe, and a supportive environment in which to live, work and grow. Whether you’re drawn by the natural beauty, the sense of community or the opportunity to make a real difference in a college with high ambitions, this is a place where you can build a fulfilling future.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Iain Glendinning – Vice Principal on 07785763291
**If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered. **
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU!
- Generous annual leave – 40 days plus 8 days bank holiday plus 2 discretionary days
- Local Government pension Scheme/ Teachers Pension Scheme Available.
- A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
- Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.
- Free onsite parking.
- Subsidised onsite restaurant.
- A cycle scheme tech scheme and discounted gym membership.
- Fantastic facilities to resource our ability to teach our students.
Application Requirements
To ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete the application form in full. This includes providing:
- A full employment history from the time you left full-time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
- Information on all relevant education and qualifications.
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your co-operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.