Job title: Director of Education and Inclusion

A bit about us:

Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We've got ambitious targets to meet and we need people who are driven, dynamic and ready to deliver the very best for our communities. Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do.

Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

We are proud of our world-famous thriving city with its rich culture, as well as affordable housing, good schools, beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!

The role:

Liverpool City Council has been on a remarkable journey in recent years. The work and reputation of our organisation has gone from strength to strength, with our Children and Young People's Services recently being rated as "good" by Ofsted.

We are looking for a Director of Education and Inclusion to shape the future of young lives in Liverpool, and to lead on education improvement, champion inclusive learning, and partner with community leaders to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for our communities.

We are one of the few Councils who have been recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, which is something we are incredibly proud of. As we enter into an exciting chapter of innovation and policy making, now could not be a better time to join us on our journey.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic leadership: shape the vision for schools, early years settings, and educational support services across the city
Standards and achievements: drive high academic standard and narrow achievement gaps for vulnerable pupils
Belonging and SEND:further strengthen special educational needs and disabilities provisions across the city
Partnership working: collaborate with school leaders, governors, trade unions, and government bodies
Resource management: oversee the budget and ensure value for money

What we're looking for:

Proven senior leadership experience within an education or local government setting in a similar role
Deep knowledge of curriculum and statutory education duties
Strong track record of improving educational standards and school performance
Excellent financial acumen and strategic resource planning skills
Ability to inspire, lead change, and build strong community trust

Our offer to you:

At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further days
Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes
Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
Family friendly policies with enhanced leave
Discounted Gym Memberships
Employee Volunteering Scheme
Medicash

Next steps:

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 20 September 2026

Shortlisting date: W/C Monday 21 September 2026

Interview date: early-to-mid October (subject to change)

Interview type: face-to-face consisting of various interview and stakeholder panels across one day

PLEASE NOTE: RECRUITMENT AGENCIES NEED NOT CONTACT US!

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Yvonne Hughes at yvonne.hughes@liverpool.gov.uk.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.

Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications. Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.

This is not legal advice, and we advise you to seek your own independent legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.

Liverpool City Council

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Director of Education and Inclusion