Independent Sector Specialist

Independent Sector Specialist 

Homebased with significant travel across the UK 

Starting salary from £66,091 (£26,436 pro rata 0.4FTE). 

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is a leading professional body representing more than 25,000 school and college leaders across the UK. 

Due to retirement, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is seeking to appoint an Independent Sector Specialist. This role will work within ASCL’s policy team, reporting to the Deputy Director of Policy. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most respected and influential organisations in UK education, to lead on developing policy on independent schools, and support members within the sector. 

ASCL is a trade union and professional association which supports and represents around 25,000 school and college leaders. We work closely with ministers, advisers, civil servants and other organisations to ensure the voices of our members are front and central in policymaking, and to co-construct policy which enhances the lives and life chances of the children, young people and staff in schools and colleges across the UK. 

This role will support the Deputy Director of Policy, leading on policy across the independent landscape, including curriculum and assessment, ISI inspection, funding, and pay and conditions. 

You will also support members who have questions or concerns that relate specifically to the sector, both through ASCL’s hotline, and by providing ongoing updates and information. You will fully understand the independent school landscape, especially in relation to the current challenges facing the sector. 

The Specialist will facilitate networks and advisory groups for members in the independent sector to gain deep insight into the needs of these leaders, and feed this understanding into ASCL’s wider policy work. You will also represent ASCL at a senior level with organisations including ISC, ISI, HMC, GSA and Society of Heads. 

You will join a team of highly experienced and effective policy specialists, working closely with the policy leads for curriculum, assessment, inspection, accountability and data, SEND and primary. 

The successful candidate will be skilled at gathering, synthesizing and effectively representing the views of ASCL’s diverse membership. You will have a strong knowledge and understanding both of the school and college landscape and of how education policy is made. You will be a clear communicator, a persuasive influencer and an effective and collegiate colleague. 

This is a home-based role, with significant travel required to London, ASCL HQ in Leicester, and across the UK. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. 

This is a part-time role at 0.4 FTE, which can be taken as specific days or reduced hours across the week, providing applicants can confirm how they will manage the workload set out in the job description. N.B. Some ASCL events, such as our termly Council meetings and annual conference, are mandatory for this role, regardless of normal working days. 

This role is paid on a five-point incremental range from £66,091 (£26,436 0.4FTE) – £73,051 (£29,220 0.4FTE) per annum. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are also covered. Equipment is provided.  

ASCL is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits, including 33 days holiday plus bank holidays and a pension scheme to which the association contributes 9%. We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.  

INTERESTED?  

The closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 14 April 2025. 

 Interviews will be held in Leicester on Tuesday 29 April.  

Start date: As soon as possible but dependent on individual circumstances.