Specialist SEND Provision | The Sheffield College

Academy Director - Bloom

About us

The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.

About Bloom

Bloom is a vibrant and growing specialist curriculum area in development at The Sheffield College. Created to meet the needs of an expanding cohort of young people with SEND and inclusion needs, Bloom represents an ambitious and values-driven commitment to high aspirations, personalised learning and meaningful destinations.

We are building something exceptional — a provision rooted in dignity, ambition and expertise, where learners with EHCPs and additional needs thrive, progress and prepare confidently for adulthood.

We are seeking an Academy Director who believes that reasonable adjustments are not an add-on, but the foundation of excellent practice.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a developing specialist provision at a pivotal moment in its growth.

As Academy Director for Bloom, you will:

Lead a high-quality, specialist SEND curriculum that secures ambitious outcomes for learners with EHCPs.

Embed a culture where persoanlised learning is used creatively to enable learners choice and control over developing their ambitions and aspirations. Working to develop and deliver consistent high quality and student centered teaching, learning and assessment experiences.

Ensure the academy delivers inclusive practice that is beyond compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act 2010.

Drive improvements in attendance, engagement, personal development and progression for learners with complex needs.

Build robust systems that ensure EHCP outcomes are translated into high-quality teaching and measurable progress.

Lead a team of curriculum managers, teachers and support staff to deliver outstanding provision that is trauma-informed, aspirational and destination-focused.

Key Objectives

Secure provision that is rated at least “Expected Standard” and aspires to “Exceptional” under Ofsted.

Improve learner outcomes across all aspects of study programmes, including personal development and Preparation for Adulthood.

Deliver academy growth in line with the college strategy, meeting recruitment and efficiency targets.

Ensure high-quality implementation of reasonable adjustments and inclusive teaching practice.

Lead on consistent EHCP implementation, review and tracking processes.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a leader who:

Has substantial experience leading SEND or specialist provision in FE, school or cross-phase settings.

Demonstrates deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act duties.

Understands how to embed reasonable adjustments within curriculum design, assessment and student support.

Has experience improving attendance, behaviour and outcomes for learners with complex needs.

Can translate EHCP outcomes into high-quality teaching, learning and progress tracking systems.

Is confident leading multi-agency partnerships and working collaboratively with families.

Uses data intelligently to improve provision while maintaining a strong relational culture.

Is passionate about high aspirations for learners with SEND and believes in employment and independence as realistic outcomes.

You will be a visible, values-driven leader who combines operational rigour with compassion.

Main Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of a high-quality, specialist student experience within Bloom.

Develop and embed inclusive curriculum models that enable learners with SEND to achieve ambitious outcomes.

Ensure consistent implementation of reasonable adjustments and normal ways of working.

Strengthen EHCP review processes and ensure compliance with statutory duties.

Drive high expectations around attendance, behaviour and engagement.

Develop innovative pathways aligned to Preparation for Adulthood and meaningful progression.

Build strong partnerships with feeder schools, parent and carer forum, employers, local authorities and support services.

Lead academy planning, business development and performance management processes.

Provide dynamic and supportive leadership that develops staff expertise in inclusive practice.

Why Join Bloom?

This is not simply a leadership post.

It is an opportunity to:

Shape a developing specialist academy.

Influence cross-college inclusion strategy.

Build systems that genuinely transform lives.

Develop a centre of excellence for inclusive FE practice.

Lead a growing team committed to doing things differently — and doing them well.

What We Can Offer You

As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of £52,968–£61,405 per annum based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience that you can bring to the role.

Our Benefits

Enhanced Pension contributions scheme with TPS - 28.68%

Annual leave - 42 Days (310.8 hours) + 8 Bank Holidays (59.2 hours) – this includes a discretionary Christmas closure period

Health and wellbeing, we offer:

Employee assistance programme through Bupa

Occupational Health through PAM

Free eye tests for VDU users

Free Parking at the majority of campuses

Further information can be found on our Benefits and Career Development pages.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates for further information. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact jobs@sheffcol.ac.uk

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures.

Next Steps

To apply: Click apply online and follow the links to complete the online application. CVs are not accepted.

Closing date: Sunday 29th March 2026.

For a discussion about the role prior to application please contact sarah.legood@sheffcol.ac.uk (Please note discussions will be booked for w/c 16th March – twilight only 5 - 6.30pm)

Please note – if we receive a high number of applications, we may close the vacancy early.

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