Join Think for the Future as a School Inclusion Centre Manager — a transformative leadership role with a starting salary of £29,000 - £35,000 (and progression salary up to £40,000) empowering young people who are at risk of exclusion to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and achieve positive academic and personal outcomes. With a competitive term-time only salary, brilliant work life balance and huge opportunities for progression, this is a role with purpose, impact and long‑term career growth.
💫 About the Role
Think for the Future's Inclusion Centres operate within mainstream secondary schools, providing a structured and nurturing environment for pupils at risk of exclusion.
As School Inclusion Centre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the centre, manage a small team, embed strong behaviour systems and support pupils to improve their engagement, behaviour and educational outcomes.
Unlike many school leadership roles, there is no lesson planning, marking or curriculum preparation. Instead, you will focus on leadership, behaviour support, safeguarding, pupil engagement and stakeholder relationships, all within an 8:00am-4:30pm term-time only schedule with a minimum of 11 weeks' holiday per year.
📋 Role Details
* Contract: Permanent
* Hours: 40 hours per week
* Working Pattern: 8:00am–4:30pm (we're big on work-life balance)
* Weeks per year: 41 (term-time only + limited training days)
* Start Date: January 2027
* Salary: £29,000–£35,000 Actual Starting Salary; Progression to £40,000 (£32,360–£44,635 FTE) - lots of salary progression opportunity available
* Location: Nottinghamshire - Successful candidates will be placed in an Inclusion Centre within a 60-minute drive of their home address.
Enjoy a genuine work‑life balance — no work during school holidays, and built‑in daily time for planning, admin and leadership responsibilities.
🎯 What You'll Do as a School Inclusion Centre Manager
* Lead and develop the Inclusion Centre, ensuring high-quality provision and positive pupil outcomes.
* Manage, support and motivate your team, embedding strong behaviour systems and consistent practice.
* Improve attendance, engagement and behaviour, reducing fixed-term and permanent exclusions.
* Support pupils through targeted interventions and successful reintegration into mainstream or Post-16 destinations.
* Build effective relationships with parents, carers, school leaders and external agencies.
* Lead safeguarding within the centre, using data and impact measures to drive continuous improvement.
As Safeguarding Lead, You Will
* Act as the lead point of contact for safeguarding concerns, liaising with the school DSL and external agencies.
* Maintain accurate safeguarding records, effective information-sharing processes and compliance with safeguarding requirements.
* Promote a strong safeguarding culture through pupil advocacy, staff support and ongoing professional development.
🤩 You Should Apply If…
* You're a confident and resilient leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
* You have direct in-school experience and can manage challenging behaviour effectively.
* You're organised, solution-focused and confident managing administrative responsibilities.
* You're passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
* You thrive in dynamic environments and can inspire and develop others.
* You hold GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
It’s a Bonus If You Have…
* Experience managing behaviour, youth or education settings.
💜 What You'll Get at Think for the Future
* Positive and supportive culture with strong leadership, collaboration and regular team socials.
* Comprehensive induction and ongoing learning through our Leadership & Development Programme.
* Health and wellbeing support including access to Vitality private healthcare and Health Assured.
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
* Excellent work-life balance, clear progression pathways and transparent salary bandings.
🔐 Safer Recruitment
This role requires:
* Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
* Declaration of relevant convictions and completion of a social media check
Salary description
£32360.00 - £39055.00 per year