Wigan Athletic Football Club is looking to recruit a Head of Education to facilitate, co-ordinate and manage the education component of the Wigan Athletic Academy Programme, with primary focus on the educational components of the scholarship program (FTTM). Working closely with the Academy Manager to ensure and maintain the balance between football, educational and welfare needs of the club's young players.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Academy Manager and be predominately based at Stadium Way Training Facility.

Working hours: Varied, including Evenings and Weekends

Contract type: Permanent Full-Time

You Will:

• Have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Clubs Education Programme


• Have oversight of the Scholar education programmes including attendance at educational programme meetings, ensuring adherence to such programmes and, where required, taking appropriate action in the event that targets are not met;


• Ensure that Scholars are appropriately managed and supported in respect of the ‘End Point Assessment’ on the sporting excellence professional apprenticeship (‘SEP’);


• Ensure SEP progress reviews are completed and uploaded onto LFE’s EMS by the deadline date agreed with the relevant LFE Regional Officer.


• Track the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club


• Undertake benchmarking of the educational progression of each year group of Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid and Full Time Training Models against national data, and make the result of that benchmarking available to the League


• Recruit, select, support, monitor and train "in-house" BTEC Tutors to assist in the delivery of the BTEC aspect of the scholarship


• Liaise with League Football Education to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations in the delivery of the educational


• Establish links with the schools of registered players from the ages of U9 to


• Produce regular scholar reports and updates as to player educational


• Support young players, parents and schools with any educational


• Assist the young scholars with the transition from schoolboy to


• Ensure that scholars are appropriately managed and supported through on site UEFA C qualification, functional skills and other relevant qualifications


• In liaison with Player Care Manager and Head of Safeguarding, recruit, train and monitor any "Host Families / Guardians" used by the Club for any young players / trialists living away from


• In liaison with Player Care Manager, assist young players (and parents) with player release issues and alternative career


• Work closely with the Player Care Manager, Head of Academy Coaching, Phase Lead Coaches and the Academy Manager to maintain a healthy balance between the football, educational and welfare needs of the young players.


• Ensure compliance with PGAAC audit requirements in conjunction with Academy multidisciplinary team, as part of Academy Management Team.


• Oversee and arrange a development, transport and welfare plan for Youth Development Phase players participating in the School Release Programme, creating agreements, identifying educational course work and monitoring progress of these players.


• Work with the Head of Safeguarding and Club Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with all the relevant legislation and


• Ensure all paperwork and registers are up to date and the monitoring and review of player attendance and progress is accurate and reported back to the Academy Secretary and Academy Manager as


• Ensure all players and parents are informed of details regarding activities planned and appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding provisions are in


• Develop an appropriate education review and feedback process to the


• Complete 6 week reviews, Half and Full season


• Input data where required with relation to national benchmarking & effective measurement with the 'Online '


• Conduct individual player reviews in coordination with the Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development Phase coaches every 6


• Work closely with the Academy Manager around the financial management of the education budget; including budget planning and control for the functions of the educational team, tracking/ management of the Education Support Fund and any CPD related activities.

The successful candidate will:

Qualifications

• QTS (Qualified teacher status) or QTLS (Qualified teacher learning and skills)


• Possess a relevant teaching qualifications.

Experience

• Experience of teaching in HE/ FE


• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Education Management System (League Football Education)


• Up to date knowledge of Ofsted requirements and Apprenticeship reforms.

Knowledge & Skills

• Have knowledge and understanding of child development and be sensitive to children's needs.


• Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including holding a current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate


• Ability to work in a team environment


• Knowledge and understanding of working with young players


• High levels of communication skills, both orally and


• Ability to manage and prioritise effectively whilst maintaining

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be aged over 18 years.

The role will require an enhanced DBS

Here at Wigan Athletic we are on an exciting journey. If you would like to be part of our journey and have a passion for our football club then we want to hear from you. We offer:

• 25 days annual leave [pro rata]


• X2 complimentary tickets to all home league fixtures


• Career development opportunities


• Free onsite parking


• BrightHR ‘savings and money-off’ offers for employees


• Wigan Athletic Club shop discount