Title

WORKFORCE

Director of Education, Planning, and Access

Play a key role in improving the quality of education in Kent.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead, commission, and secure the provision of high quality early years and school education across a diverse range of schools for children and young people. You will lead on the development of new schools, in particular the Academies Programme. Your remit will also include SEN and the fair access agenda.

Committed to driving forward improvements in parental choice, you will bring considerable experience of working strategically with schools, academies, and other education providers. Resilient, adaptable, and articulate with strong influencing skills, you will be committed to transforming education for the children and young people of Kent.

Raising attainment in education and improving the life chances of vulnerable children and young people are of paramount importance to Kent County Council, the largest local authority in England. We have recently appointed a new Corporate Director of Education Learning and Skills so this is your chance to secure a brilliant future for yourself.

To find out more, go to our website.

WORKFORCE

Searching for a NEET solution

By Vijay K Luthra | 06 August 2026

With NEET numbers at their highest since 2013, Patrick Diamond and Vijay K Luthra argue the answer lies not in Whitehall, nor even in combined authorities, b...

WORKFORCE

Is public service delivery really dead?

By Ben Page | 22 July 2026

Performance alone does not win public trust. While better outcomes matter, public opinion is shaped much more by how services are experienced, communicated a...

WORKFORCE

Section 106 is only as strong as the conversations behind it

By James Wright | 20 July 2026

James Wright explains how early collaboration helps turn Section 106 obligations into measurable social value and stronger community outcomes.

WORKFORCE

Stop chasing talent – grow it!

By Tim Jones | 15 July 2026

Local government must stop poaching talent and invest in building the next generation of finance leaders, says Tim Jones