Director of Education and Inclusion

Wigan Council has earned national recognition for bold reform, award winning public service innovation and an asset based approach that puts people and communities first. As we move into a new era built on the strengths and ambition of our borough, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Education to join our senior leadership team. We are deeply ambitious for our children and young people. Our vision is simple and clear: every child should have the best start in life, feel included as standard, and have every opportunity to achieve and thrive. This is a rare opportunity for an inspirational system leader to drive our Progress with Unity missions, champion educational excellence and lead the borough's preparation for major national reforms. Working closely with schools, multiacademy trusts, health services and community organisations, you will align local priorities with national change - ensuring children, young people and families benefit from genuine partnership working from early years through to adulthood. This is no ordinary Director role. As our strategic education lead, you will play a central part in delivering our boroughwide Progress with Unity movement to:

• Create fair opportunities for all children and families by tackling inequalities in health, education, finance and environment.
• Support all towns and neighbourhoods to flourish, working with residents, schools, partners and businesses as equal placeshaping partners.
Your leadership will unite education services with the wider partnership to meet new legislative requirements and use reform as a catalyst for innovation, equity and exceptional outcomes beyond statutory education. We are looking for a visionary, resilient, values driven leader to join our established and experienced senior team where services are judged as good with outstanding features. You will have a strong track record in educational improvement and SEND and will be confident to work across complex systems to turn national policy into ambitious local delivery. Your commitment to education and lifelong learning will help strengthen Wigan's performance in attendance, achievement and reducing NEET. Above all, you will believe in our borough, our communities and the potential of every child - ensuring high standards of quality, sufficiency and safeguarding across all settings, with children at the heart of every decision.