At OFG Education we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work
Job Title: Principal
Location: Care First, Great Barr Campus, Birmingham, B42 1DY
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £80,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
This is not just a Headship. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to create something truly special.
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead a multi campus specialist further education college; supporting young people with SEMH, Autism, and associated needs. The college operates across multiple campuses, located in Great Barr, Walsall, and Tamworth.
From day one, you will shape the culture, values, and strategic direction of a college designed around understanding, inclusion, and ambition. Your leadership will ensure that every learner receives a personalised, high-quality educational experience that empowers them to achieve their potential and prepares them for adulthood.
This is your chance to build a setting where young people who may have struggled elsewhere finally feel safe, understood and empowered to succeed.
As Principal, you will have the rare opportunity to:
Design and develop a specialist college from the ground up
Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed practice at the heart of learning
Create a culture where wellbeing, safety and progress go hand in hand
Lead, inspire and grow a high-calibre multidisciplinary team
Build a college where students belong, thrive and achieve their potential
Make a lasting impact that will be felt for generations
If you’re driven by purpose and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this role offers true professional legacy.
What You’ll Do
Provide strategic leadership and a clear, inspiring vision for a specialist SEMH and Autism setting
Create a nurturing, ambitious and trauma-informed environment where behaviour is understood as communication
Lead on safeguarding, quality, compliance and operational excellence from day one
Recruit, develop and inspire a passionate, skilled staff team
Work in close partnership with therapists and specialists to deliver highly personalised pathways
Build trusted relationships with parents, carers and local authorities
About You
We’re seeking a leader who brings heart, resilience and expertise in equal measure:
An experienced Principal or Deputy Principal within SEN, SEMH, specialist provision or further education
A deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and inclusive education
Strong knowledge of Ofsted and/or ISA frameworks for specialist settings
Proven ability in budget management, resource planning and leading change
A passionate advocate for high expectations and aspirational outcomes for every student
Qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS) with significant SEN leadership experience
About Us
At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.
Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.
Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.
About Our School
Care First provides person-centred education and day provision for young adults with learning difficulties, autism, mental health needs and complex needs. Our tailored programmes help learners develop life skills, build independence and thrive within their communities.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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