About the Role: Director of Lifeskills

We 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 Responsibilities

• Lead outstanding curriculum delivery aligned to our Learning Philosophy and learner journey
• Drive staff development through the Triple Professional approach (pedagogy, professional and digital)
• Respond strategically to curriculum reform and local and national priorities
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement (2C’s and 2E’s) to enhance curriculum relevance and student experience
• Champion staff wellbeing and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture
• Ensure accountability, inspection readiness and continuous quality improvement
• Deliver Faculty targets for retention, progress and achievement
• Plan and manage resources effectively to optimise delivery

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 minded
• Collaborative and people-focused
• An excellent communicator with strong organisational skills
• Creative, solutions-oriented and resilient
• Approachable, optimistic and aligned with Activate Learning’s core values

You will also hold:

• A relevant professional qualification and teaching qualification in a Lifeskills discipline
• Proven success in curriculum leadership, raising standards and meeting performance targets
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence high-performing teams and foster a resilient, collaborative culture

Who we are

Activate 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 please visit our Wellbeing at Activate Learning page

Applicants 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.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

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.