Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

The Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills is a senior leadership position found in educational institutions, local authorities, and organisations specialising in lifelong learning and community engagement. This role involves shaping and overseeing strategies to improve teaching and learning, ensuring inclusive practices for all students, and developing skills programmes. Responsibilities often include managing teams of educators and support staff, designing and evaluating educational programmes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and working with external partners to support employability and social mobility. Directors must stay up to date with policy changes, drive improvement initiatives, and advocate for diversity and equal opportunities in education. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential, as is a deep commitment to inclusive education.

Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Directors in this field typically earn between £55,000 and £85,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Market

There are approximately 1,200 to 1,500 roles with similar titles across the UK, often within local authorities, colleges, and large educational trusts.

Gender Balance

In 2023, around 62 percent of directors in educational leadership roles were female, reflecting a trend towards greater gender balance in the sector.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Oversees the provision and support for students with special educational needs within a school or college, ensuring inclusivity and tailored learning plans.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Curriculum Development Specialist

Designs and develops inclusive curricula and learning resources to cater for diverse student needs and promote equal opportunities in education.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Inclusion and Diversity Trainer

Delivers training sessions and workshops for educators and staff on best practices for fostering inclusive learning environments.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Obtain a Degree in Education or Related Field

Begin with a degree in education, special educational needs, or a related discipline.

A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, or social sciences provides a solid foundation for this career. Some universities offer specific courses in inclusive education or educational leadership, which are highly beneficial. Entry requirements typically include A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Pursue Postgraduate Study or Professional Qualifications

Advance your knowledge with a postgraduate qualification, such as a PGCE, MA in Education, or a leadership qualification.

Most directors hold a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as education leadership, SEN (Special Educational Needs), or inclusion. Professional qualifications, such as the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), are also valued.

Build Experience in Education and Inclusion

Gain Teaching or Training Experience

Work as a teacher, trainer or in a similar educational role to develop classroom and curriculum skills.

Practical experience is essential. Many directors start their careers as teachers, SEN coordinators, or education officers. Focus on roles that allow you to support diverse learners and develop inclusive practices.

Progress to Middle or Senior Leadership Roles

Move into roles such as SENCO, Head of Department, or Assistant Principal to gain leadership experience.

Leadership roles provide the opportunity to manage teams, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Experience in policy development, staff training, and working with external agencies is highly desirable. Demonstrate your ability to implement inclusion strategies across an organisation.

Develop Strategic and Management Skills

Lead on Inclusion and Skills Development Projects

Take responsibility for whole-school or organisation-wide initiatives that focus on inclusion and skills.

Examples include developing new curricula that address employability skills, leading staff training on inclusion, or collaborating with local employers. Evidence of successful project management and positive outcomes is important for director-level roles.

Network and Stay Informed on Policy

Engage with professional networks and keep up to date with national and local education policy.

Regularly attend conferences, join professional groups (such as the Association of School and College Leaders), and subscribe to educational journals. Understanding policy developments and best practice is crucial in a director role.

Apply for Director Roles

Prepare a Strong Application and Interview

Showcase your experience, qualifications, and vision for learning, inclusion, and skills.

Highlight your track record of implementing inclusive practices and improving learner outcomes. Be ready to demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders. Tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific requirements of director-level posts.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

The role of 'Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills' shares similarities with a Training officer because both focus on developing and implementing programmes to improve skills and knowledge within an organisation. They typically work on designing inclusive learning strategies that promote development and competency.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

This role is open to graduates from all subjects. It can be particularly useful to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • business studies
  • communications
  • psychology
  • education and training
  • human resources management

You could also study for a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Most degree subjects are accepted for entry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:

  • learning and development
  • digital skills: teaching and learning
  • facilitating learning and development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Learning and Skills Teacher Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

If you're looking to go into training management, you could do a Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships take a minimum of one year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant in a human resources, recruitment or training department, and work your way up by taking training and development qualifications on the job.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need experience in training or teaching to be successful. Employers will expect you to have an understanding of their industry.

They may also want you to have a qualification in the subject you wish to offer training. For example, a recognised IT qualification to teach IT skills.

Other Routes

You can take professional qualifications in learning and development, either online or at a training centre, approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

More Information

Career tips

You'll have an advantage when looking for work if you have experience and qualifications from:

  • teaching in schools or further education
  • working as a skills assessor

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a training officer from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.