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Principal & CEO

Salary: Competitive

Organisation: Shipley College

Location: West Yorkshire

Closing Date: 22 Jan 2026


Shipley College is a successful, impactful further education college, with a mission to be a beacon of opportunity and transform lives through learning. The college delivers high quality, high value technical post-16 provision to young people and adults, and our inclusive culture provides a welcoming environment for generations of learners from within and beyond our local area.

We are outward-looking and our offer is aligned with the growth sectors in Bradford, the 2025 UK City of Culture and an area defined by energy, youth and ambition. We enjoy an Outstanding financial health rating and the college is in an absolutely stunning environment, based in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire.

Due to the progression of the current postholder, we have a superb opportunity for a new Principal and CEO to further develop and lead the college to ever greater heights. The new postholder will lead us on our journey towards excellence, while ensuring our ongoing financial stability through progressing our opportunities for growth and diversification. A strong ambassador internally and externally, our new leader will enhance our partnerships, reputation and influence, while inspiring our staff and learners.

Our successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience of strong, strategic leadership and management, with the creativity and commercial skills to best serve our local employers and community. You should demonstrate a strong track record of achievement in a senior leadership role within an organisation of relevant size, scale and complexity, with a sound understanding of quality assurance and financial stewardship. Visibility, high emotional intelligence and the ability to motivate at all levels and foster a values-led culture of high aspiration are all of key importance.

Key Dates to Note:

Closing date for applications is: Thursday 22 January 2026

First round interviews (to take place via Teams): Week Commencing Monday 26 January 2026

Final interviews to be held at the college: Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February 2026

Contact Us
Bernie Cullen
Recruitment Manager
Bernie Cullen photo

For an informal conversation about this role please contact Bernie Cullen at bernie.cullen@aoc.co.uk

Bernie Cullen photo

Register your interest in the Principal & CEO role at Shipley College