Principal Support Officer
full-time•Sandwell•$28k - $32k
About this role
Principal Support Officer
Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
Department: Central Foundation learning - Supported Learning
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Sandwell College
Compensation: £28,278 - £32,783 / year
Description
We are seeking a highly organised, compassionate and experienced Principal Support Officer to join our Foundation Learning department at Sandwell College. This is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of the Learning Support Team and the delivery of high-quality support for learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs.
Reporting to the Head of Section – Foundation Learning, you will play a vital role in promoting learner independence, wellbeing and positive educational outcomes, while ensuring compliance with EHCP requirements, safeguarding standards and local authority expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and organise the Learning Support Team, including staffing, timetabling, rooming and operational procedures
- Assess learner support needs and oversee the design, implementation and review of individual support plans, EHCP provision and risk assessments
- Monitor and evidence the effectiveness of learning support through registers, attendance tracking, audits and progression reviews
- Line manage Learning Support staff and agency staff, including induction, appraisals, absence management and professional development
- Lead on CPD for Learning Support Assistants, ensuring staff maintain up-to-date skills and statutory compliance
- Provide direct learning support where required, modelling best practice and maintaining professional competence
- Work collaboratively with curriculum teams to ensure support provision enables effective curriculum delivery
- Provide pastoral care, contribute to safeguarding processes and liaise with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies
- Support enrolment, induction, reviews, events, enrichment activities and wider college initiatives
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Relevant Level 3 qualification or above in Learning Support, SEND, Education, Health & Social Care or a related field
- Significant experience supporting learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs
- Proven experience of leading or managing staff, including performance reviews and development
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
- Experience working with EHCPs, safeguarding procedures, behaviour management strategies and multi-agency partnerships
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across departments in a busy education environment
Benefits
✅ Top-Tier Salaries – We offer sector-leading pay with some of the most competitive salaries around
🏖 Unbeatable Time Off – Enjoy 35-50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays AND extra time off at Christmas – because work-life balance is essential
🚀 Fast-Track Your Career – Take advantage of dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes designed to help you grow and succeed
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthier, greener, and more cost-effective way to commute
💆♀️ Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Save on Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
🏋 Fitness Perks – Enjoy our college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms to keep you feeling your best
💰 Generous Pension Contributions – We invest in your future with 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non-teaching roles
🛍 Retail & Travel Discounts – Unlock exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross-country travel. UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
📜 Free Will Writing – We’ve got your back with professional support for your future planning
💉 Free Flu Vaccine – Stay healthy and protected at no cost to you
🧘 Wellbeing Support – Access confidential counselling services and wellness platforms to support your mental and emotional health
🏆 We Celebrate You! – We recognise and appreciate your hard work with awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year.
🏖 Unbeatable Time Off – Enjoy 35-50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays AND extra time off at Christmas – because work-life balance is essential
🚀 Fast-Track Your Career – Take advantage of dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes designed to help you grow and succeed
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthier, greener, and more cost-effective way to commute
💆♀️ Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Save on Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
🏋 Fitness Perks – Enjoy our college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms to keep you feeling your best
💰 Generous Pension Contributions – We invest in your future with 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non-teaching roles
🛍 Retail & Travel Discounts – Unlock exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross-country travel. UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
📜 Free Will Writing – We’ve got your back with professional support for your future planning
💉 Free Flu Vaccine – Stay healthy and protected at no cost to you
🧘 Wellbeing Support – Access confidential counselling services and wellness platforms to support your mental and emotional health
🏆 We Celebrate You! – We recognise and appreciate your hard work with awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year.
Other facts
Tech stack
Learning Support,SEND,Education,Health & Social Care,Leadership,Communication,Organisational Skills,Safeguarding,Behaviour Management,Multi-Agency Partnerships,Timetabling,Risk Assessments,Pastoral Care,Professional Development,Curriculum Delivery,Induction
About Sandwell College
Central Campus Sandwell College is one of the newest FE Colleges in the UK and is a landmark for the development of education and training in the region.
Situated in an iconic building in the heart of West Bromwich, the College attracts learners from across Birmingham and the Black Country.
The majority of our learners are 16-18 and studying on full time courses; either vocational courses designed to prepare them for the modern workplace or academic study in our brand new sixth form Central Sixth. We also welcome thousands of adult learners on to a wide variety of full time, part time and short courses ranging from Entry Level to Foundation Degrees, Level 5 vocational programmes and CPD programmes.
We also have a rapidly expanding apprenticeship programme and a broad range of training courses designed to meet the needs of regional and local employers including work-based learning, bespoke training and short courses to suit the demands of individual businesses.
If you’d like to see what one of the largest Further Education Colleges in the West Midlands could offer you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Team size: 201-500 employees
Website: http://www.sandwell.ac.uk
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Education Management
Founding Year: 1840
What you'll do
- The Principal Support Officer will lead and manage the Learning Support Team, ensuring high-quality support for learners with severe learning difficulties and disabilities. This role includes assessing learner needs, overseeing support plans, and collaborating with curriculum teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sandwell College pay for a Principal Support Officer?
Sandwell College offers a competitive compensation package for the Principal Support Officer role. The salary range is GBP 28k - 33k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Principal Support Officer do at Sandwell College?
As a Principal Support Officer at Sandwell College, you will: the Principal Support Officer will lead and manage the Learning Support Team, ensuring high-quality support for learners with severe learning difficulties and disabilities. This role includes assessing learner needs, overseeing support plans, and collaborating with curriculum teams..
Why join Sandwell College as a Principal Support Officer?
Sandwell College is a leading Education Management company. The Principal Support Officer role offers competitive compensation.
Is the Principal Support Officer position at Sandwell College remote?
The Principal Support Officer position at Sandwell College is based in Sandwell, England, United Kingdom. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Principal Support Officer position at Sandwell College?
You can apply for the Principal Support Officer position at Sandwell College directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Sandwell College on their website.