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

We are seeking an ambitious, values-led leader who is a proven change maker within technical education. You will have the vision, confidence and drive to challenge the status quo, lead meaningful improvement and deliver sustainable change that enhances learner outcomes, employer impact and curriculum quality. Passionate about opportunity and transformation, you will inspire others, build strong partnerships and play a key role in shaping the future of skills and education across the region. 

About the Role

This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational leadership across Engineering, Construction and Digital, one of Education Partnership North East’s most significant and high-profile faculties. 

As Faculty Director, you will shape a forward-looking, employer-responsive curriculum that delivers excellent learner outcomes, supports progression and meets regional and national skills priorities. Reporting to the Associate Principal, you will contribute to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the College and Partnership. 

Role Responsibilities 

You will be responsible for: 

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for Construction, Engineering and Digital provisionat Northumberland College.
• Ensuring high-quality teaching,learningand assessment across all delivery areas
• Northumberland College’s spoke of the Construction TEC, linking in with Sunderland College.
• Driving curriculum development aligned to employer need and labour market intelligence
• Leading performance, qualityassuranceand continuous improvement activity
• Managing budgets, staffing and resources to ensure sustainable delivery and growth
• Building strong relationships with employers,partnersand stakeholders to enhance reputation and impac

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/C in Construction, Engineering, Digital or a related discipline (or significant relevant industry experience)
• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE or equivalent)
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Essential Skills & Experience

You will demonstrate: 

• Successful senior leadership experience within FE and/or HE
• A proventrack recordof improving quality,outcomesand performance
• Strong understanding of technical education,fundingand inspection frameworks
• Experience of employer engagement and curriculum co-design
• Excellent people management and team development skills
• Strong financial and operational management capability

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: 27 May 2026

Team: Management

Salary: £54,713 to £59,775 per annum