Principal - South Shields Marine School
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
Shape the Future of Maritime Skills and Education
Tyne Coast College is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to take on the role of Principal – South Shields Marine School, leading one of the UK’s most established and respected maritime training providers.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of maritime education, build international partnerships, and strengthen the College’s position as a leader in marine training, engineering, and renewable energies.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive and operating as a key member of the Senior Executive Group, you will provide strategic leadership for South Shields Marine School, driving growth, quality, and reputation.
You will:
- Lead the development of a high-quality curriculum across FE, HE, apprenticeships and commercial provision, ensuring relevance to local, national and international markets.
- Drive business growth, diversification and income generation, including opportunities in maritime and renewable energy sectors.
- Ensure excellent learner outcomes, with strong focus on achievement, progression, attendance and experience.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with employers, industry bodies, and international stakeholders.
- Lead a culture of continuous quality improvement and readiness for inspection and external assurance.
- Champion innovation in teaching, learning, and curriculum design to maximise performance and impact.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, credible leader with a strong track record of delivering excellence in education and/or the maritime sector.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
You will:
- Have extensive knowledge of the maritime training sector, including regulation and commercial opportunities.
- Bring significant senior management experience, including leadership of large teams and budgets.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of quality improvement and raising student outcomes.
- Have experience of strategic planning, business development and employer engagement.
- Be able to build successful partnerships with external organisations and stakeholders.
Skills & Attributes
You will:
- Be an inspirational leader, able to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Demonstrate strong strategic thinking and decision-making capability.
- Have the entrepreneurial mindset to identify and deliver growth opportunities.
- Be able to operate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including students, staff, governors, employers and regulators.
Qualifications
- Class 1 Master Mariner Certificate of Competency issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (Essential)
- Or
- Class 1 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (Essential)
- Higher professional qualification relevant to the maritime profession (Desirable)
- Degree in a business-related subject (Desirable)
Why Join Us?
South Shields Marine School is internationally recognised for maritime education and training, with strong links to industry and global partners. You will have the opportunity to:
- Shape the future of marine training and renewable energy skills development
- Influence regional, national and international education strategy
- Lead a high-profile specialist provision within a successful College Group
- Deliver meaningful impact for learners, employers, and the wider community
Safeguarding and Equality
Tyne Coast College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
We are also committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
For an informal discussion about the role contact Lindsey Whiterod, CEO, Tyne Coast College on 0191 427 3506.
How to Apply
For further details and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing Date: 22 June 2026
Who We Are
Tyne Coast College comprises South Tyneside College, Tyne Metropolitan College and South Shields Marine School.
We offer a vast range of educational opportunities for those aged 14 to adults - including a wide range of employer-led vocational programmes, Apprenticeships, Higher Education and specialist maritime training.
Our portfolio is multi-award winning, with national accolades and a global outstanding reputation for maritime provision. The College has a high performing SEND provision which has been recognised nationally and is a regional specialist in teaching and learning for learners with SEN. The college was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in February 2024.
Tyne Coast College is the North East’s world leading maritime training provider and was awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize for its expertise in creating high-tech under and above water digital scenarios.
As a strong proactive voice in the north east we are passionate about providing a dynamic and diverse curriculum brimming with the essential academic and vocational skills’ training that enables students to progress on to their chosen careers.
Our motto for a bigger, better, stronger future for the region encapsulates our commitment to the region, the business sector and those living and working in the north east.
Recruiting high-calibre, professional staff with vocational credibility is at the core of our success. We are looking for dynamic and innovative individuals with a passion for achieving excellence through delivering a first class quality service at all times.
Our Values
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