At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
Are you ready to work in a high-performing Local Authority Education Directorate?
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Education Capital & Sufficiency. This is a high-profile leadership position with responsibility for ensuring the right education provision is in the right place, at the right time, for every child and young person.
About the role:
You will play a critical role in shaping the future of education across a highly academised system, working in close partnership with education settings, trusts, dioceses, and regional stakeholders, alongside elected members and national bodies, including the Department of Education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic planning of education sufficiency across all phases, from early years through to post-16, ensuring provision meets current and future demand.
- Hold strategic responsibility for education capital planning and delivery, including multi-million-pound programmes across mainstream and SEND provision.
- Lead the Council’s approach to school organisation, including expansions, new schools, and reorganisation, ensuring statutory compliance and educational rigour.
- Act as the strategic lead for school admissions and contribute to oversight of home-to-school transport policy and commissioning.
- Provide strategic leadership for SEND sufficiency and inclusive provision, supporting local area improvement and inspection readiness.
- Build and sustain strong partnerships with academy trusts, early years providers, colleges, and regional partners to deliver system-wide outcomes.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team and contribute to the wider leadership of the Education Directorate.
About You:
You will be a senior leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic change within education or children’s services. You will bring:
- Significant experience in strategic sufficiency planning and system leadership.
- Strong understanding of the education system in England, including SEND, admissions, and statutory duties.
- Experience of working with elected members and national bodies, providing clear advice in complex environments.
- Proven ability to lead complex programmes, policy development, and capital delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries.
- Commitment to improving inclusion, access, and outcomes for children and young people.
A relevant professional qualification or equivalent senior experience in estates planning, commissioning or education planning is essential.
What We Offer:
- Impactful Work: Contribute to the development of new educational facilities, including special schools and resource bases.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a team that values boldness, empowerment, support, and transparency.
Contact:
Chris Wilford, Director of Education on 01225 477109 or email christopher_wilford@bathnes.gov.uk
Additional Information:
Provisional Interview date: Monday 27th July 2026.
We are a Disability Confident Employer.
This role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.
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