Head of Primary Programmes (Principal Lecturer)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our School of Education which has a long and proud history in teacher education, a reputation for outstanding graduates and Early Career Teachers, and an enviable network of committed partner schools and other key stakeholders.

Reporting to the Head of Initial Teacher Education, you will be responsible for all Primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes that lead to an award of QTS. The successful individual will need to nurture and develop these programmes and our critically important relationships with partner primary schools, whilst retaining strategic oversight for the consistent delivery of the curriculum for all student teachers.   

The School of Education is renowned for the quality and strength of its undergraduate and postgraduate provision, along with a growing reputation for international partnerships and cutting edge educational research.

Student numbers on Primary ITE programmes total around 320. Student experience is at the heart of everything we do. The quality of our ITE Programmes and the development of socially engaged teachers - delivered through a team of committed and forward-thinking academic teams, is recognised across our partnership and in the wider community. In their 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified an ambitious, research-driven curriculum, commitment to social justice, wellbeing of our student teachers and relationships with partner schools as particular strengths.

As a key member of the school’s leadership team, the successful candidate will require a strategic understanding of the ITE environment and proven experience in the sector to respond to its specific demands. A strong and nuanced understanding of the UK teacher education landscape and its complex policy and funding demands - including the requirements of recruitment to Primary ITE programmes, internal and external audits and action plans, the current Ofsted inspection framework and the DfE’s 2024 ITT curriculum and regulatory expectations is essential.

You will be joining our vibrant School and Mount Pleasant Faculty at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity in what is a particularly challenging time in the ITE sector. We are seeking an outstanding individual who can design and deliver highly effective Primary programmes, lead on promotion and recruitment, and evaluate and develop these programmes in accordance with quality assurance processes. You will also support all relevant PSRB requirements, undertake operational management (including timetabling and line management) and make strategic contributions relevant to the role and as a key member of our School Management Team.

You will be an experienced and innovative ITE leader, with a relevant undergraduate degree with QTS, or PGCE (QTS) and hold a PhD, or professional qualification and substantial relevant professional experience at senior level. We are seeking an individual with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrable ability to operate effectively in a demanding environment, which has both academic and professional practice requirements and compliance demands, including internal and external auditing and inspection.

Evidence-based teaching and engagement in real-world research activity sets our team apart and we will be seeking a research and knowledge exchange leader with a proven track-record in our new appointment, along with the ability and attitude to inspire and collaborate for outstanding experience and outcomes for our students.

In return, the Head of Primary Programmes will be joining a passionate and committed community of academics and professional support staff which makes the School of Education at LJMU a special place to work and thrive.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries may be made in confidence to: Jane Gargan J.Gargan@ljmu.ac.uk  Head of Initial Teacher Education.

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all background and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief.  All our appointments are made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.