Head of Centre

OpenGate Education - Tees Valley

• Salary: £40,000-£50,000 plus bonus scheme
• Hours and working weeks: Full-Time, Term Time
• Start date: January 2027

Help shape a new provision and give young people a different route to success

Are you an experienced teacher and education leader who can build trusted relationships, support a team and make learning meaningful for young people?

OpenGate Education is seeking a Head of Centre to lead our new alternative provision in Tees Valley. This is an opportunity to help establish the centre from the beginning, shape its culture and curriculum, and create an environment where young people feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

About OpenGate Education

We support children and young people who need a different approach to education. Working closely with schools, local authorities and families, we develop personalised programmes that combine academic learning, practical and vocational experiences, and personal development.

Our aim is to help young people rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning and develop the skills they need for their next steps.

The role

As Head of Centre, you will lead the day-to-day running of the provision, support and develop staff, and oversee the quality of education, learner welfare and progress.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Helping prepare the centre for opening and establishing clear routines for staff and learners.
• Leading a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment with high expectations.
• Planning and delivering engaging lessons adapted to individual needs and starting points.
• Overseeing a personalised curriculum that connects academic, vocational and outdoor learning with meaningful progression.
• Leading, coaching and developing the centre team.
• Embedding effective safeguarding, attendance and positive behaviour practices.
• Monitoring learner progress and ensuring families, schools and commissioners receive clear, timely updates.
• Working with partners to support suitable referrals, successful placements, transitions and reintegration.
• Managing staffing, timetables and resources alongside the Directors.
• Contributing to centre improvement and preparations for future registration where required.

Who we are looking for

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.

• Successful teaching experience with secondary-age learners, including young people with SEND, SEMH needs or other barriers to education.

• Experience of leading a team, curriculum area, pastoral function or education provision.

• The ability to adapt teaching and assessment to learners with varied needs and disrupted educational experiences.

• A sound understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

• A calm, consistent approach to behaviour and the ability to build trust while maintaining clear boundaries.

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with experience of working alongside families and other professionals.

Experience in alternative provision or specialist education would be valuable, as would experience of deputy or assistant headship, SENCO responsibilities, reintegration or establishing a new provision. DSL experience or a willingness to undertake relevant training is desirable; designated safeguarding responsibilities will depend on formal appointment and appropriate training.

Why join OpenGate?

You will have the opportunity to influence how a new centre develops, work closely with the Directors and build a team around a shared commitment to young people.

This role offers scope to remain actively involved in teaching while developing your leadership and making a visible difference to learners’ confidence, engagement and futures.

OpenGate Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity, right-to-work and qualification checks.

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