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:
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Lead the strategic planning of education sufficiency across all phases, from early years through to post-16, ensuring provision meets current and future demand.
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Hold strategic responsibility for education capital planning and delivery, including multi-million-pound programmes across mainstream and SEND provision.
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Lead the Council’s approach to school organisation, including expansions, new schools, and reorganisation, ensuring statutory compliance and educational rigour.
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Act as the strategic lead for school admissions and contribute to oversight of home-to-school transport policy and commissioning.
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Provide strategic leadership for SEND sufficiency and inclusive provision, supporting local area improvement and inspection readiness.
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Build and sustain strong partnerships with academy trusts, early years providers, colleges, and regional partners to deliver system-wide outcomes.
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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:
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Significant experience in strategic sufficiency planning and system leadership.
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Strong understanding of the education system in England, including SEND, admissions, and statutory duties.
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Experience of working with elected members and national bodies, providing clear advice in complex environments.
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Proven ability to lead complex programmes, policy development, and capital delivery.
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Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries.
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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:
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Impactful Work: Contribute to the development of new educational facilities, including special schools and resource bases.
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Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.
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Supportive Environment: Work within a team that values boldness, empowerment, support, and transparency.
Join us in our mission to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND in Bath & North East Somerset.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Chris Wilford, Director of Education on 01225 477109 or email [email protected]
Provisional Interview date: Monday 27th July 2026.
No Agencies Please.
Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
- Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
