Virtual School Head for Children in Care

Derbyshire’s Education and Inclusion service are looking to appoint an exceptional leader to become our next Head of Virtual School. This influential role will champion and play a key role in improving educational outcomes, attendance, wellbeing and aspirations of children in care, previously looked after children and other vulnerable learners across Derbyshire.

Working across education, social care, health and partner agencies, you will provide strategic leadership for the Virtual School, ensuring children and young people receive the support, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished school leader or adviser, with significant experience in leading change, and a proven track record of improving the quality of education and outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

The post holder will:

The post-holder will:

• Have significant senior leadership experience within education, children's services or a related field.
• Have a strong track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
• Build effective partnerships and influence across complex systems.
• Be passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and raising aspirations for every child.

• Lead and manage appropriate services for children in care.
• Work with schools and other education providers to ensure additional support and resources for target children are used effectively and efficiently in line with departmental priorities and performance indicators.
• To respond to new national and local developments around the role of the Virtual School and devise and implement plans accordingly

If you are passionate about improving life chances and believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

For further information about the post, please contact:

Sarah Bryan, Assistant Director for Education Improvement and Partnerships - sarah.bryan@derbyshire.gov.uk

Ideally, we would like the successful candidate to join the service early in the spring term, however, start date to be negotiated depending on individual contractual arrangements.

Provisional interview date: 9 December 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.