Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.  

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.   

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

We are currently seeking a motivated and passionate animal care Learning practitioner to join our ambitious team at Sunderland College, Bede Campus. As a changemaker in this role you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and the people who care for them. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate courage and who are able to take the initiative to challenge the status quo to improve animal care practice. We are seeking authentic individuals who will foster open and honest communication within the team. We strive for excellence in all we do, so we seek individuals who are passionate about continuous learning and delivering education to the highest standards. We value and show respect for animals, colleagues and students in everything we do.  

About the Role

This is a 0.8 FTE position (4 days per week). The provision is managed by Northumberland College’s Land-Based Campus at Kirkley Hall, with the role primarily based at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus, Durham Road, Sunderland.

The campus offers excellent teaching facilities, outstanding resources, and a supportive environment for both staff and students. Learners benefit from access to a diverse range of animal species housed within dedicated animal care facilities, as well as opportunities to gain additional practical experience through links with a local animal centre.

As part of the wider land-based provision, you will also have access to the exceptional facilities at Kirkley Hall, including a BIAZA-accredited zoo, commercial farm, specialist equine and canine centres, and a range of industry-standard teaching resources. These include our immersive learning hub, Te Pari cattle and sheep handling systems, and equine simulator, providing innovative opportunities to enhance teaching and learning.

We are committed to supporting your professional development and career progression. The role offers access to teacher training and assessor qualifications, alongside a wide range of continuing professional development opportunities designed to ensure you remain at the forefront of your specialist area.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of learners and helping them achieve their potential, we would be delighted to hear from you.

 Role Responsibilities 

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplarylearning,teachingand standards of assessment
• Teach students tohigh standardsusingappropriateand varied student – centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience. 
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme. 
• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required. 

Qualifications

• L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject
• Level 2 maths grade 4 or above
• Level 2 English grade 4 or above

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of working in the animal industry 

• Up to date knowledge of industry standard practice

• Ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues

• Excellent communication skills

• Commitment to work towards a L5 teaching qualification

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.  
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.  
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.  

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Closing Date: 24 Jul 2026

Team: Teaching

Salary: £25,949 to £30,468 per annum pro rata

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026.  The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located.

Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.

The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region

Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

Are you an experienced agricultural professional with extensive hands-on experience operating farm machinery? Are you passionate about passing on your skills and knowledge to the next generation of agricultural engineers and farmers? 

Northumberland College is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Programme Leader to join our ambitious Land-based team at Kirkley Hall Campus. 

As a Changemaker, you will play a leading role in delivering our Agriculture Level 2 and Level 3 programmes, with a strong emphasis on the safe operation, use and maintenance of modern agricultural machinery and equipment. You will also support the delivery of our exciting new Level 2 Land-based Engineering qualification, helping students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed by today's agricultural industry. 

This role is ideally suited to someone with significant practical experience of operating a wide range of farm machinery, such as tractors, telehandlers, cultivation equipment, grassland machinery and other agricultural implements. You will be confident demonstrating machinery operation safely and professionally, while teaching students the practical skills and industry standards expected by employers. 

Ideally, you will also have knowledge and qualifications in land-based engineering, enabling you to teach machinery maintenance, servicing, fault finding and basic repairs. However, if you have extensive industry experience and a passion for developing others, we would welcome your application. 

As Programme Leader, you will inspire students through engaging practical and classroom teaching, lead curriculum development, and work closely with colleagues and industry partners to ensure our programmes reflect the latest agricultural practices and employer needs. 

This is a 0.4 FTE (part-time) position, making it an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to combine teaching with a continued career in the agricultural industry. We particularly welcome applications from experienced agricultural machinery operators, farm managers, engineers and industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise while remaining actively engaged in the sector. If you have the skills and experience but are new to teaching, we will support you in making the transition into education.

About the Role

• The role is 0.4 FTE (2 days per week) based at Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus
• The campus offers an array of industry leading teaching facilities including commercial farm and TePari operating equipment to support high standards of animal welfare
• The role includes a range of professional development opportunities including opportunities to complete a teaching qualification.

Role Responsibilities 

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning

• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment

• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student – centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience. 

• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme. 

• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.

• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Education and training or equivalent
• L3 qualification in land based related subject
• Level 2 Mathematics
• Level 2 English Language

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands on experience of operating wide range of agricultural and farm machinery
• Experience of planning and delivery of inclusive learning sessions

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

• Experience of keeping records of student progress against achievements
• Experience of managing a programme of study

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.  
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.  
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.  

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Closing Date: 24 Jul 2026

Team: Teaching

Salary: £31,375 to £43,396 per annum pro rata