Curriculum Lead

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Shape futures, inspire confidence, and lead high-quality learning that enables young people to thrive.

Our Provision for Young People team is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities that help young people develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to succeed. Working within Education, Schools and Inclusion, we support learners to achieve positive educational, personal and employment outcomes through innovative curriculum delivery, strong partnerships and outstanding pastoral support. As Curriculum Lead, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, supporting staff development and ensuring learners receive engaging, personalised programmes that enable them to progress and achieve their full potential.

Lead innovative learning programmes, support talented colleagues and help learners achieve positive destinations.

What you will get to do

• Support the Curriculum Manager with curriculum planning, ensuring programmes meet strategic priorities and provide excellent progression opportunities for learners.
• Supervise and support staff within the curriculum area to ensure high-quality and consistent curriculum delivery.
• Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of policies, procedures and operational practices.
• Drive continuous improvement by contributing to self-assessment processes and coordinating learner, parent and employer feedback.
• Design, deliver, assess and review innovative, personalised learning programmes that engage learners and reflect current best practice and quality standards.
• Embed and contextualise English, maths and digital skills across learning programmes to support learner development.
• Create enrichment opportunities both within and beyond the classroom that enhance learners' knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Provide outstanding pastoral support and help maintain a safe, supportive environment that promotes achievement and wellbeing.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal colleagues, external organisations, communities, parents, employers and other stakeholders.
• Support the monitoring of curriculum performance, learner data, financial information and management reporting requirements.
• Contribute to quality assurance, business improvement activities and internal and external quality processes.
• Support learners to progress towards positive outcomes including further learning, employment, volunteering, improved wellbeing, confidence and resilience.

Make a lasting difference through outstanding curriculum leadership, partnership working and learner success.

What you will bring

• A degree-level qualification (or equivalent relevant experience) in a relevant curriculum area, together with a Level 4 or above teaching qualification.
• Strong understanding of the Further Education sector, Alternative Education and effective approaches to learner engagement and progression.
• Experience of curriculum planning within Alternative Education, alongside at least three years' teaching or training experience.
• Experience of supervising, mentoring or coaching staff and supporting high-quality curriculum delivery.
• Proven ability to work independently, use initiative and develop productive partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A flexible, solution-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to foster collaboration across teams.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.