Head of Primary Initial Teacher Education

Contract Hours: Full-time

Tenure: Permanent

Job Outline:

Birmingham Newman University is seeking a talented and experienced primary teacher educator to provide strategic leadership for our Primary Initial Teacher Education (PITE) provision within the School of Education. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-driven, student-centred university recognised nationally for social inclusion and student satisfaction. The successful candidate will lead the continued development, quality, and growth of our Primary ITE programmes, ensuring excellence in teacher education, partnership working, student outcomes, and compliance with Department for Education and Ofsted requirements.

As Head of PITE, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership for Primary Initial Teacher Education programmes and partnerships. You will lead on programme quality, student recruitment, continuation, completion, progression and student satisfaction, while ensuring full compliance with DfE Initial Teacher Training criteria and supporting guidance. The role includes leading improvement planning, acting as the Primary ITE nominee during Ofsted inspections, overseeing staff management and development, fostering strong partnerships with schools and educational providers, driving innovation in teaching, learning and assessment, and contributing to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the School of Education.

We are looking for an accomplished teacher educator and academic leader with a Master's degree, a degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and substantial expertise in Primary Initial Teacher Education within Higher Education. Candidates must have proven experience of successfully leading ITE programmes, a strong understanding of DfE ITT requirements and the national teacher education landscape, and experience using data and performance metrics to improve student outcomes. You will demonstrate a commitment to high-quality, student-centred education, successful partnership working, academic quality assurance, research and scholarly activity, diversity and inclusion, and ongoing professional development. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, professional credibility, and the ability to lead and inspire colleagues and stakeholders are essential. An enhanced DBS check is required.

Informal enquiries about this opportunity are very welcome. Please contact Chris Ludlow at c.ludlow@staff.newman.ac.uk, to discuss the role further.

An online application form and further details about this role are available by clicking the 'Apply' button above. Please submit your completed online application form by the advertised closing date.

Please note that CVs are not accepted as part of the application process unless explicitly stated

Closing date for applications: 21 September 2026

Interviews will take place in October 2026

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of staff benefits including 35 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, chaplaincy and spiritual care, library services, free on-site parking, discounted travel scheme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services and staff development opportunities. Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website: https://www.newman.ac.uk/knowledge-base/staff-benefits/ or please contact the Human Resources Department.

Birmingham Newman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Birmingham Newman University is located on Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3NT.

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