Role Summary & Benefits

Full Time 37 hours per week

Lead the future of education, inclusion and opportunity in Devon. We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious leader to join our Inclusion & Learning Leadership Team as Head of Service – Education Quality & Inclusion for Exeter & East. This is a pivotal role with responsibility for driving educational excellence, inclusion and improved outcomes for children and young people across a diverse locality. You will provide strategic leadership across education and early years, ensuring that Devon County Council delivers  its statutory responsibilities whilst maintaining a relentless focus on improving the life chances of children and young people.

As a senior system leader, you will work across organisational boundaries to influence, challenge and support school leaders, trusts, early years providers and partners to take collective responsibility for all children and young people. You will play a key role in delivering Devon’s ambitious programme of education and SEND transformation, leading improvement across attendance, inclusion, school effectiveness, early years and support for children with special educational needs. This is an outstanding opportunity for a credible and values-driven leader who can build strong relationships, inspire change and deliver meaningful impact for children, families and communities across Devon.

For an informal discussion please contact Jim Barnicott Jim.Barnicott@devon.gov.uk 

Interview Date: 3rd September 2026

How to apply 
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click Apply Now to see further information.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes – Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

Key Responsibilities

Please click here to see the Job Description which includes the key responsibilities.