Assistant Manager - Prison Education

Job Role: Assistant Manager Prison Education
Location: HMP Onley
Salary: From £35,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Role Overview
We are recruiting an experienced and inspirational Assistant Manager Prison Education to support the delivery of high-quality education within a custodial environment at HMP Onley.
As Assistant Manager Prison Education, you will play a key leadership role within the education management team, supporting curriculum delivery, driving quality improvement, and ensuring learners receive an engaging and impactful educational experience that supports rehabilitation and future employability.
Working closely with the Education Manager, you will lead and support teaching and support staff, oversee curriculum performance, and help maintain high standards across a diverse range of vocational and academic programmes, including areas such as Motor Mechanics, Art, Personal & Social Development, Music, Media and other curriculum pathways.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced educational leader looking to make a meaningful difference through education and help reduce reoffending by improving learner outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Operational Management
· Support the Education Manager with the day-to-day leadership of the education department
· Lead curriculum delivery, learner management and departmental performance
· Deputise for the Education Manager when required
· Manage learner induction, allocation and conduct within education settings
· Develop effective relationships with prison staff, education teams and external stakeholders
· Support efficient operational delivery across multiple curriculum areas

Curriculum & Performance Management
· Drive improvements in learner recruitment, retention, achievement and satisfaction
· Set and monitor staff performance targets in line with contractual KPIs
· Support the development of a curriculum that meets learner and employer needs
· Ensure qualifications are delivered in line with awarding body requirements
· Monitor learner progress and implement improvement strategies where required
· Promote innovative and engaging approaches to teaching and learning

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
· Lead quality assurance and improvement activities across designated curriculum areas
· Manage IQA and EQA processes to maintain compliance and standards
· Conduct observations, learning walks and quality reviews
· Contribute to the production of Self-Assessment Reports (SARs) and Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
· Use performance data and management information to drive improvements
· Support the development of outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices

People Management & Staff Development
· Line manage and support teaching and support staff
· Conduct appraisals, probation reviews and performance management activities
· Mentor and induct new team members
· Identify and coordinate CPD opportunities based on quality and performance outcomes
· Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
· Support recruitment and onboarding activities where required

Compliance & Delivery
· Ensure all provision meets Ofsted, Ministry of Justice and organisational standards
· Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion across all activities
· Ensure compliance with all prison security procedures
· Deliver teaching sessions where required
· Provide curriculum cover and operational support during periods of absence

Essential Criteria:
· Teaching qualification at Level 5 or above
· English and Maths qualifications at Level 3 or above
· Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification, or willingness to achieve
· Significant teaching experience within further education, vocational training or adult learning
· Experience managing staff and supporting curriculum delivery
· Proven experience driving quality improvement and learner outcomes
· Strong understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
· Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills
· Ability to analyse performance data and implement improvement plans
· Commitment to using education as a vehicle for rehabilitation and reducing reoffending

Desirable Criteria:
· Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager qualification
· Experience working within prison education or adult learning environments
· Experience managing a multi-disciplinary education team
· Knowledge of funded learning, quality assurance and compliance frameworks
· Experience across vocational education programmes

Benefits:
· Opportunity to join a high-impact education provision that changes lives
· Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
· Supportive and collaborative management environment
· Career progression opportunities within prison education

Additional Information:
· Based on site at HMP Onley
· Role subject to enhanced DBS clearance and prison vetting
· Flexibility required to support operational and curriculum needs
· Teaching and curriculum cover responsibilities form part of the role

How to Apply:
For more information or to apply for the Assistant Manager Prison Education role, please contact:
Robert Rowe by calling (phone number removed) or email across your CV to (url removed)