Derby College
Academy Manager – Early Years and Education

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Kindly note that we do not accept CVs, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education requirements. All applications must be submitted via the link provided only.
Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting for an inspiring leader as Academy Manager of Early Years and Education
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Early years academy area, shaping and delivering a high-quality, innovative curriculum aligned with DCG’s vision and strategic ambitions. This role is based at our iconic Roundhouse Campus.
The Opportunity
- You will drive outstanding teaching, learning and student outcomes, while building strong employer partnerships to meet local and regional needs.
- Leading a high-performing team, you will ensure an excellent student experience, effective resource management and continuous improvement across all areas of provision.
For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click here.
About You
- You will be an inspiring and proactive leader, with the ability to motivate teams and drive high performance.
- With a relevant degree (or equivalent) and a teaching qualification, you will bring experience of teaching and/or managing within the Early Years.
- You will have strong knowledge of curriculum development, inclusive practice and quality improvement, and be confident using data to enhance student outcomes while effectively managing resources and performance.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
For a full explanation of the Person Specification, please click here.
The Benefits
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
- Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
- TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
- Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
- Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
- Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
- Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
- Continuous development and progression opportunities
Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.


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Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.
Visa sponsorship
Please note that unfortunately, this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information. If you are on a graduate visa please let us know on your application so we can assess eligibility for employment with us.
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