Grade: L10 – L15 (£74,479 - £82,888)
At New River College Secondary we want the very best for our pupils, so that they leave us as confident learners, prepared for further education, employment or training and in a position to make the best of their lives. We have a hard working and committed staff team who are dedicated to raising achievement and ensuring the best possible school experience for our pupils. All our pupils arrive at NRC after not managing in mainstream schools. They often have undiagnosed SEN most commonly associated with ASC, ADHD and PDA. All our pupils arrive with significant gaps in their learning. We support pupils in their learning but place a large emphasis on trying to support them with their personal development. We are an inclusive College and strive to find solutions to support pupils with their SEMH needs.
It is crucial that children develop the core skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in further education, employment or training, so English and Mathematics are a significant focus for the school in getting children to a level where they can succeed. We are committed however, to a rich wider curriculum, where children get numerous opportunities for first hand experiences and access to a wide range of knowledge and opportunities to develop as learners. We also want our children to understand that learning can be fun!
The postholder will be responsible to ensure New River College Secondary has a co-ordinated programme of support to enable high quality teaching and learning to take place and achieve the highest possible standards and outcomes for the pupils at New River College Secondary. The postholder is responsible for the leadership and management of the secondary alternative provision and for the implementation of effective policies and procedures that support the high standards of educational achievement of pupils who may have Education, Health and Care Plans and / or have been excluded or at risk of exclusion from school. The postholder will oversee all aspects of self-evaluation, curriculum delivery managing a team of teachers and support staff whilst being a visible presence on site. We are supported by a team of external professionals to help our pupils and their families these include CAMHS, EPS and Family Support team. The post holder will need to have an oversight of the work these professionals undertake.
New River College comprises of three pupil referral units in Islington (primary, secondary and medical), for pupils with social, emotional and mental health challenges (SEMH). We teach children and young people aged five to sixteen years old who have been permanently excluded or participate in our preventative programmes to address their behaviour, and children and young people with complex SEMH or medical needs.
Closing date for applications/expression of interest: 23:59 Wednesday 25th February 2026
Candidates will be notified by: Monday 2nd March 2026
Interviews will be held over: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March 2026
To apply please submit an expression of interest to Nigel Smith via email to [email protected].
For an informal discussion about the post or to arrange a visit please contact Nigel Smith, Executive Headteacher on 020 7504 0534 / [email protected]
New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will need to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. As part of our Safeguarding checks, an online search to ascertain the suitability of the candidate to work with vulnerable young people, will be done for all shortlisted candidates.
How to apply: Please apply online visiting jobs.islington.gov.uk. CVs are not accepted. Bear in mind that the Eploy’s website might not automatically save your answers. We recommend you work on those where you can save them and when ready, copy them on Eploy to submit.