We are currently advertising for a new Head of Initial Teacher Education at Goldsmiths, University of London, and I genuinely believe it is one of the most exciting leadership opportunities in teacher education at the moment.
The closing date is next week, so if you are interested, do apply soon.
The job advert is here:
https://jobs.gold.ac.uk/vacancy/head-of-initial-teacher-education-610830.html
Goldsmiths has made an important contribution to the education of the nation’s teachers since the early 1900s, establishing a long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher education. Generations of teachers have trained here, many of whom have gone on to become outstanding classroom practitioners, school leaders, researchers and innovators.
As Head of Education at Goldsmiths, I wanted to share five reasons why I think this role is such a special opportunity.
1. You will join a university with a distinctive educational vision
Goldsmiths has always stood apart from many other universities because of its commitment to creativity, intellectual freedom and social engagement.
Teacher education here is not simply about training people to survive in schools. It is about helping future teachers become reflective, inclusive, imaginative and critically engaged practitioners.
Across our PGCE programmes we encourage trainees to think deeply about teaching, culture, identity, creativity, curriculum and social justice. We are interested in education as a human, ethical and intellectual endeavour.
That spirit runs through the university and through our Subject of Education.
2. You will lead a rich and diverse portfolio of programmes
One of the exciting aspects of the role is the sheer breadth of our provision.
Goldsmiths offers a wide range of highly respected PGCE programmes, including:
- Primary PGCE
Primary with Mathematics
Primary with Modern Languages - Secondary programmes in:
- Art and Design
Design and Technology
Drama
English
Mathematics
Media
Modern Languages
Science Education
Part-time Secondary routes
Our PGCE English programme, for example, combines theory and practice in a way that gives students a thorough grounding in the National Curriculum while also encouraging critical and creative approaches to the subject. Our Drama PGCE foregrounds theatre, performance and cultural development. Our Design and Technology programme explicitly encourages teachers to go beyond current policy orthodoxies and evolve new models of practice. Our Science Education provision focuses on inspiring “a new generation of world-changers”.
These are intellectually vibrant programmes with passionate tutors and committed students.
You can explore the full range here:
and the A-Z of programmes here:
https://www.gold.ac.uk/pgce/a-z
3. You will work with excellent colleagues and students
The Subject of Education is one of the larger academic areas at Goldsmiths and has a strong ethos of research and teaching excellence.
We have internationally recognised researchers, experienced teacher educators, strong school partnerships, a thriving doctoral community and a genuinely collaborative culture.
Our students are equally impressive. Many come to Goldsmiths because they want to become thoughtful, socially engaged teachers capable of making a difference in diverse communities.
A particularly exciting feature of the role is the opportunity to contribute not only to PGCE provision but potentially to teaching and supervision across our BA and MA programmes too.
4. The role offers genuine scope for leadership and innovation
This is not a narrow managerial role.
The successful candidate will contribute to strategic leadership, self-evaluation, partnership development, curriculum innovation and improvement planning across Initial Teacher Education.
There is real opportunity to shape the future direction of ITE at Goldsmiths during a fascinating and challenging period for education nationally.
We are looking for someone with vision, energy and a strong understanding of university-based teacher education, someone who can help us build on our long history while also responding creatively to contemporary educational challenges.
5. It is a permanent part-time role in one of the world’s great cities
The role is permanent and 0.8 FTE, 28 hours per week.
For many people this offers an attractive balance between leadership responsibilities and space for research, writing, family life, consultancy or creative practice.
And of course, Goldsmiths is located in London, one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world.
Our students benefit enormously from being trained in a city filled with museums, theatres, galleries, multilingual communities, political energy and creative experimentation.
Many trainees tell us this combination of Goldsmiths and London transforms the way they think about teaching.
You can also find out more about student life, accommodation, campus tours and Open Days here:
If you are passionate about teacher education, committed to creativity and inclusion, and excited by the possibility of shaping future teachers in a distinctive university environment, I would strongly encourage you to apply.
Closing date: 28th May 2026
Interview week: beginning 15th June 2026
Full details and application information are here:
https://jobs.gold.ac.uk/vacancy/head-of-initial-teacher-education-610830.html
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