Assistant Head of Curriculum - Music
| Posting date: | 19 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £49,805 to £54,194 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Generous Annual Leave, Teachers' Pension |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 March 2026 |
| Location: | Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE4 7SA |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | NCG |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | NCG0001240_1771502828 |
Summary
Lead Excellence. Drive Quality. Shape Futures at NCG.
At NCG, we believe education transforms lives. As one of the UK's leading college groups, we're committed to delivering exceptional learning experiences that help every learner achieve their goals-no matter where they start. Now is a great time to join our inclusive and supportive team.
We are now seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Head of Curriculum to help lead operational excellence, drive quality improvement, and deliver outstanding outcomes for learners.
Assistant Head of Curriculum Opportunity
As Assistant Head of Curriculum, you will lead the operational delivery of curriculum provision across designated subject areas. You'll be accountable for implementing curriculum planning, quality improvement strategies, performance management, and effective resource allocation to achieve measurable outcomes aligned to College KPIs.
What you'll do:
Lead curriculum planning and performance- Coordinate operational planning of curriculum provision to align with learner needs and strategic priorities.
- Contribute to curriculum business planning and identify growth opportunities.
- Monitor performance against KPIs, using data to drive targeted improvement actions.
- Act on behalf of the Head of Curriculum where required, ensuring continuity of leadership.
- Implement quality assurance and improvement processes across designated curriculum areas.
- Track and analyse performance data to celebrate success and address underperformance.
- Contribute to self-assessment and quality improvement planning aligned to internal and external frameworks.
- Ensure programmes meet internal quality standards and sector benchmarks.
- Line manage lecturers and support staff, setting clear objectives aligned to College goals.
- Conduct one-to-ones and performance reviews, supporting professional development and addressing performance where required.
- Lead recruitment and selection processes in line with NCG policy.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
- Provide day-to-day oversight of staffing, timetabling, and resource allocation.
- Ensure efficient and effective use of physical and digital resources.
- Support learner recruitment activities and contribute to enrolment targets.
What we're looking for
- A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in a related subject area.
- A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Certificate in Education or equivalent).
- Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent).
- Experience leading and managing staff to achieve organisational goals.
- Experience using performance data to inform operational improvement.
- Experience of curriculum planning, design, delivery, and assessment.
- Strong understanding of quality assurance processes within further and/or higher education.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Confidence using digital tools and Microsoft 365 applications.
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality, and continuous professional development.
- A management qualification would be advantageous.
Role Description
Newcastle College is seeking an ambitious and industry-focused Assistant Head of Curriculum (Music) to join The Performance Academy. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a dynamic individual who is passionate about music education and ready to shape the future of our Further Education provision. The role combines curriculum leadership with a teaching commitment and offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of music across the College.
The successful candidate will lead our FE Music team delivering Level 2 (Intermediate) Music Performance & Production, Level 3 (Advanced) Music Performance, and Level 3 (Advanced) Music Production & Technology. You will line manage Programme Leads, support staff development and performance, and play a central role in maintaining high standards in teaching, learning and assessment. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will contribute to curriculum design, innovation and quality assurance, ensuring our programmes remain ambitious, inclusive and industry-relevant.
Alongside leadership responsibilities, you will maintain a teaching allocation within the music provision and support the delivery of performances, live events, showcases and enrichment activities that define The Performance Academy experience. You will work to strengthen employer engagement and external partnerships, enhancing progression routes and employability opportunities for our learners.
We are looking for a confident leader with substantial industry and/or teaching experience in music performance, production or music technology, and a strong understanding of FE delivery at Levels 2 and 3. Most importantly, you will be driven to lead the continued development of our music curriculum, building a clear and sustainable pipeline into the music industry for students across the North East and beyond.
If you are ready to lead innovation, inspire both staff and students, and help shape the next chapter of music education at Newcastle College, we would welcome your application.
Safeguarding
NCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All roles are subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with a check of the children's barred list, where applicable.
Why work with us?
At NCG, we're more than a group of colleges - we're a community of educators and professionals working together to make a difference. We invest in our people, our facilities, and our communities - and we're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where you can thrive.
Ready to apply?
If you're passionate about curriculum excellence and ready to lead improvement that makes a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Employee Benefits
NCG is a great place to work, with a whole host of benefits such as:
- Generous Annual Leave
- Flexible Working
- Student Discount
- Government Pension Schemes
- Cycle to Work
- Employee Assistance Programme
For more information, please see our website - Our Benefits
NCG Values
Our values are not just about what we do, but also how we do things. Shaped by our colleagues, customers and learners, they set the standard of how we should behave, how we work together and give us the opportunity to make the right decisions based on the values we all share.
- Being both inclusive and diverse
- Trusting and respecting our communities
- Taking ownership whilst working collaboratively
- Inspiring excellence and curiosity
For further detail about our Values and Strategy, please visit our website - Values and Strategy
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