Virtual School Education Advisor
Ref: 177832
Salary: £44,075 p.a. plus benefits
37 hours per week
Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
Your next role
Are you passionate about improving the life chances of children in care? Do you have the expertise, drive and compassion to influence educational outcomes across schools and settings? Swindon Borough Council’s Virtual School is looking for an exceptional Education Advisor to join our dedicated team and help us deliver the very best for our children and young people.
You’ll play a pivotal role in championing the educational experience of children in care, including those placed both in Swindon and out of authority. You’ll work closely with schools, social care colleagues and wider partners to ensure every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they deserve.
You will:
- Work with schools to deliver the DfE Statutory Guidance Promoting the education of looked after children and children with a social worker.
- Provide expert consultancy, advice and support to improve teaching, learning and outcomes for children in care.
- Lead on quality assurance of electronic Personal Education Plans (EPEPs), ensuring they drive meaningful progress.
- Analyse EPEP data to inform reporting, planning and targeted intervention.
- Support initiatives that reduce exclusions, improve attendance and remove barriers to learning.
- Have the opportunity to design and deliver training alongside colleagues for a range of stakeholders.
- Work within a close-knit team of caring professionals who drive real and sustained impact for the children in their care.
This is a role where your influence will be felt widely—across schools, services and the lives of children who need strong advocates.
About You
You’ll have:
- Qualified Teacher Status, with evidence of strong practice
- A proven track record of raising achievement and leading improvement in education.
- Understanding of the educational challenges faced by children in care
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build meaningful, productive relationships
- Flexibility, problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset
- Confidence in curriculum knowledge and teaching and learning approaches.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).
The ability to travel throughout the Borough will be required and access to a car/to be available to attend meetings around the town on occasion.
The team operates a hybrid working model with all practitioners expected to be in the office for a minimum of three days per week.
You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
Your next package
Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.
As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.
For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.
Please see our Vision and Values page for more details and our new Swindon Plan.
Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.
Your next steps
Please read the role profile, which is available in the documents section to the righthand side of the page. To submit an application for this role, select Quick Apply.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early so early applications are encouraged.
For further information about the role please contact Heather Short, Virtual School Headteacher on [email protected]
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.
If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application, please email [email protected]
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Interview date: 14 September 2026
