Education Adviser to the Virtual School (Post 16)

Rutland County Council

Are you ready to make a difference at a critical stage in young people’s lives?

Are you a qualified teacher with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people? Do you have a strong understanding of post-16 pathways, transitions, and the challenges faced by young people with a Social Worker?

Rutland Virtual School is seeking a skilled Education Adviser (Post-16) to work alongside the Head of the Virtual School, championing the educational progress, participation and destination outcomes of young people aged 16–18 and up to 25 where appropriate.

This role focuses on ensuring that young people with a Social Worker are supported to successfully participate in education, employment or training, and are prepared for independence in adulthood.

About you…

To be successful, you need to have/be:

• An experienced teacher, with a strong understanding of post-16 education, training pathways and progression routes
• Have a passion for improving outcomes for young people with a social worker, particularly those at risk of becoming NEET, with increased participation in work experience, Internships, Supported Internships and employment
• Understand the impact of trauma, adversity and SEND on engagement, attendance and achievement
• Be confident working across systems, building relationships with schools, colleges, training providers, businesses and partner agencies, and with young people and their families
• Be skilled in analysing and interpreting data to identify need, track participation and inform interventions
• Be organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities effectively
• Have strong IT skills and be confident using Microsoft Office and web-based systems

About the role…

The Education Adviser (P16) to the Virtual School will work with the Head of the Virtual School to:

• Lead on the strategic and operational development of support for Post-16 learners with a Social Worker
• Track participation, retention and destinations, identifying those at risk of disengagement and ensuring timely intervention
• Support education providers and professionals to maintain high aspirations and ambitious pathways for young people
• Promote evidence-based practice that improves engagement, attendance and achievement in Post-16 settings
• Work in partnership with young people and their families, social care, youth services, the Family Hub, and other agencies to ensure joined-up transition planning from Year 11 onwards
• Strengthen understanding across services, and with young people and their families, of post-16 entitlements, funding, and support pathways
• Deliver training, advice and guidance to professionals to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of NEET
• Contribute to the Virtual School’s wider work to improve outcomes for children with a Social Worker

We will offer you an opportunity to widen the scope of the influence you have in changing children’s lives.  

The successful applicant for the Education Adviser to the Virtual School  post will be subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The costs for the DBS are paid by us.

Please note that the successful candidate must hold a full driving licence, as travel across the county is an essential part of this role. Bookable pool cars are available for staff to use while carrying out their duties

We welcome applications from individuals who might be interested in working on a secondment basis.

The Education Adviser (Post 16) to the Virtual School interviews will be held face to face on 14  August 2026.  Please be advised this could be subject to change, in which case we will give appropriate notice.

Our offer to you:

Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service.

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be.    Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice.  As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.

Find out more:

If you have any queries about this role please contact Lee Martin, Head of the Virtual Schools on 01572 758213 or email: lmartin@rutland.gov.uk or Gill Curtis, Head of SEND & Inclusion at gcurtis@rutland.gov.uk

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process please call us on 01572 758401 or email us at recruitment@rutland.gov.uk