Are you an inspirational education leader ready to make a real difference?Sefton Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Education Services to help shape the future of education across our borough—ensuring every child and young person can thrive.

Why Sefton?

In Sefton we are proud of our strong sense of place and our shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.

Working at Sefton means:

• Being part of a supportive, forward-thinking organisation with a clear vision for education
• Collaborating with passionate professionals, schools and partners who are deeply committed to inclusion and the best outcomes for children
• Having the opportunity to lead in a borough that is ambitious for its children and unafraid to innovate

About the Role

As Head of Education Services, you will provide strategic leadership across key education functions, driving improvement and ensuring high-quality outcomes for all learners.

You will:

• Lead and shape education services to deliver excellence across schools and settings
• Work in partnership with headteachers, MATs, early years providers and wider stakeholders
• Champion inclusion, safeguarding and equity, ensuring no child is left behind
• Use insight and data to drive sustained improvement and innovation
• Contribute as a senior leader within Children’s Services, influencing wider strategic direction

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a credible, values-driven leader who brings:

• Significant experience in education leadership at a senior level
• A strong track record of improving outcomes for children and young people
• The ability to build trusted partnerships and inspire system-wide change
• Strategic thinking, resilience and a passion for inclusion and excellence

Above all, you will share our belief that every child in Sefton deserves the best possible start in life.

The closing date for this vacancy is midnight on Sunday 26^th July 2026 (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Provisional interview dates are:

Technical Interviews: Thursday 6^th August 2026

Assessments: Monday 10^th August 2026

Final Interviews: Wednesday 12^th August 2026

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.

If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment.  You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier.  Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!