About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.
The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.
In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.
Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.
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Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
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Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive
About the Candidate
We are seeking a passionate and imaginative Learning Practitioner in Photography - someone who brings not only technical expertise but also empathy, patience, and the ability to connect deeply with learners from all walks of life. You’ll have a natural ability to motivate and encourage, creating an inclusive, supportive environment where learners feel confident to express themselves through the lens.
Our company values creativity, collaboration, and equity, and we’re looking for someone who reflects these in their everyday practice. You’ll be a thoughtful listener, a strong communicator, and a flexible problem solve - someone who can inspire curiosity, nurture talent, and adapt to different learning styles and needs.
As a Changemaker, you’ll use the power of photography to help learners see the world and themselves in new ways. You’ll unlock their creative potential, help build their confidence and skills, and open doors to personal and professional growth. Your work will go far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on the lives and futures of those you
About the Role
As a Learning Practitioner in Photography, you will lead workshops, theory and practical based sessions that engage and inspire learners, many of whom may be exploring visual arts for the first time.
This is a great opportunity to work on a purpose-driven project that blends creativity with social impact. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team, helping participants build skills, confidence, and a sense of identity through photographic practice.
The role offers excellent career development, including opportunities for CPD, peer learning, and progression into wider roles within creative education or community arts. You’ll also work with a range of equipment and digital platforms, editing software, and mobile technologies - keeping you at the forefront of creative learning delivery.
Role Responsibilities
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Plan and Deliver High-Quality Learning: Design and deliver engaging, career-focused learning using diverse, student-centred methods and digital technologies to enhance student experience and future-readiness.
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Assessment and Feedback: Prepare and deliver effective assessments, maintaining accurate records and providing constructive feedback to support student progress and meet awarding body standards.
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Enhance Student Experience: Set and monitor high expectations for attendance, behaviour, and progress, supporting students on and off campus throughout their journey, including induction and engagement activities.
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Collaborate and Share Practice: Contribute to curriculum development, share subject expertise across teams, and support digital learning resource creation.
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Engage with Stakeholders: Build and maintain productive links with employers, schools, and community partners to enrich learning opportunities and student pathways.
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Professional Conduct and Development: Commit to ongoing CPD, uphold safeguarding, equality, and health & safety responsibilities, and contribute to wider college duties including recruitment and quality assur
Qualifications
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Minimum level 2 maths and English Qualification
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Minimum Level 6 (degree level) qualification in subject specialism
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Minimum Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent, or commitment to complete within the first two years
Essential Skills & Experience
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Working collaboratively with students and colleagues to review student progress, supporting achievement of learning and personal development goals
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Planning and delivering sessions that are safe, inclusive, stretching, and relevant to learners
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Creating inclusive learning experiences by applying knowledge of special educational needs, disabilities or vulnerable learners
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Developing students’ confidence, autonomy and thinking skills, using pre-entry / initial assessment processes and student-owned SMART targets
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Providing constructive and timely feedback to support student progress and achievement
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Maintaining accurate records of individual students’ progress and achievements
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Using students’ feedback and achievement to plan and improve the quality of education
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Engaging students to establish standards of behaviour, mutual respect and safe working
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Using digital technologies safely, effectively and to promote innovative learning
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Engagement in relation to educational research, pedagogy, and assessment
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Use creative approaches to developing students’ mathematics, English, digital and wider employability skills
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Embed motivational, coaching, and skills development strategies to help students to progress and achieve
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
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Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
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Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
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LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
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Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
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We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
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Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
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Free parking on most campuses.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact [email protected] should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
