Head English & School Education

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role purpose:

The Head of English and School Education will support the development and delivery of a strategic portfolio of partnerships, programmes, and contracts across mixed funding streams and business models. They will ensure an overall balance of impact and financial sustainability, deliver country outcomes, and support the Country Director to ensure that benefit is achieved in country and for the UK and is suitably communicated.

The role holder with lead the English and School Education (ESE) portfolio of School Systems, Empowerment, and English Connects. They will lead contracts and programmes in-country, providing technical sector expertise, overseeing business development, and delivering quality, compliant implementation of programmes and contracts.

The role holder will share knowledge, expertise, and best practice from the country with the global ESE teams and externally.

Role Accountabilities:

This role is responsible for leading the English and School Education business in a country by turning the British Council’s global strategy into local action plans that deliver both impact and financial success. The person works closely with local and global leaders to analyse market trends, performance data, and opportunities, then develops annual business plans, sets targets, monitors progress, and takes corrective action when needed. They also ensure projects create meaningful benefits through partnerships and contribute to our wider strategic objectives.

A key part of the role is providing strong leadership to the team. This includes setting a clear vision, developing staff capabilities, managing performance, and creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment. The role also involves building relationships with governments, educational institutions, partners, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities, strengthen the British Council’s reputation, and support long-term growth.

Where appropriate and in line with the Cultural Engagement integrated income plan, the individual leads business development activities such as reviewing and approving proposals, making investment and contracting decisions, negotiating partnerships, and ensuring opportunities align with overall strategic goals. They oversee market research, competitor analysis, monitoring and evaluation processes, and use insights to improve programmes and business performance. They also represent the British Council in external forums, provide expert advice, and help influence education policies and practices.

Additionally, the role is accountable for financial and commercial performance, including reporting on income, expenditure, results, and impact against targets. A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism is essential, ensuring all colleagues feel valued, supported, and treated fairly while promoting a positive workplace culture.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Essentials

University degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or discipline

Experience in a leadership role which involves oversight and accountability for leading and/or developing and delivering capacity building education programmes

Proven track record and strong experience in designing and managing English language-focused education programmes in the country where this role is based which deliver outcomes for all boys and girls

Experience of leading proposals/bids for international development education programmes which deliver res...