About The Role
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Virtual School Head with senior leadership experience and a substantial track record of success to join our ambitious and vibrant Virtual School Team
As the Virtual School Head you will have the opportunity to advise, guide, support and challenge schools, social workers, carers and partners to secure the best possible educational, training and employment outcomes for children and young people in the care of the local authority, those previously in our care, those with a kinship carer and children with a social worker. The post holder will have experience and confidence in working with senior leaders in schools, partners in social care and young people, to promote and support the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and young people aged 4 to 25.
We are looking for someone who has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in a school or a local authority senior role and has a passion for promoting the outcomes of children and young people. The successful post holder will have excellent communication skills and the drive and creativity to support vulnerable children and young people in educational settings and those out of education, employment or training and will be able to demonstrate the impact of their leadership on improved educational outcomes for children and young people. The post holder will have excellent understanding of the social care and educational legislation pertinent to vulnerable children and young people, particular those known to children’s social care. Joining the teams in Children’s services, supporting schools and academies across Islington you will work closely with the senior management team within Children’s Social Care and the Learning and Achievement service. You will be passionate about improving life chances for all children and young people and be committed to supporting the wider priorities of Islington Council. You will manage and deploy the Virtual School team including three Deputy Heads, Advisory and Support Teachers, Education, Employment and Training Advisers and Business Support Officers. The authority is committed to challenging inequality and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment, and an enhanced disclosure and barring service check will be sought for this post.
We have successfully implemented our Practice Model, Motivational Practice, and benefit from a highly skilled and stable workforce as well as excellent relationships with all of our partners, including our dedicated Health Team and CAMHS which are embedded within the Corporate Parenting Service.
For further information regarding the posts please contact Karen Gibbings Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting on 0207 527 8672 or [email protected]
Closing date: Monday 12th January 2026;
Interviews: Thursday 22nd January 2026.
Note to Recruitment Agencies:
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
About You
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people.
Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The post is subject to a enhanced DBS check with children/adult barred list, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
