← Back to the list
Head of Academy Education
Location: Wigan
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Academy Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, flexible in line with business needs
Closing Date: Thur 5 November, 11:59pm
Interviews: Week commencing 26 Oct 2026
Role Purpose
To facilitate, coordinate and manage the education component of the Wigan Athletic Academy Programme, with a primary focus on the educational components of the scholarship programme (FTTM).
Working closely with the Academy Manager to ensure and maintain the balance between football, educational and welfare needs of the Club's young players.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Club's Education Programme.
- Have oversight of the Scholar education programmes, including attendance at educational programme meetings, ensuring adherence to such programmes and, where required, taking appropriate action in the event that targets are not met.
- Ensure that Scholars are appropriately managed and supported in respect of the End Point Assessment on the Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship (SEP).
- Ensure SEP progress reviews are completed and uploaded onto LFE's EMS by the deadline agreed with the relevant LFE Regional Officer.
- Track the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club.
- Undertake benchmarking of the educational progression of each year group of Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid and Full Time Training Models against national data, and make the results of that benchmarking available to the League.
- Recruit, select, support, monitor and train in-house BTEC Tutors to assist in the delivery of the BTEC aspect of the scholarship programme.
- Liaise with League Football Education to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations in the delivery of the educational programmes.
- Establish links with the schools of registered players from U9 to U16.
- Produce regular scholar reports and updates on player educational progress.
- Support young players, parents and schools with any educational issues.
- Assist young scholars with the transition from schoolboy to scholar.
- Ensure that scholars are appropriately managed and supported through on-site UEFA C qualifications, functional skills and other relevant qualifications.
- In liaison with the Player Care Manager and Head of Safeguarding, recruit, train and monitor any Host Families or Guardians used by the Club for young players or trialists living away from home.
- In liaison with the Player Care Manager, assist young players and parents with player release issues and alternative career options.
- Work closely with the Player Care Manager, Head of Academy Coaching, Phase Lead Coaches and Academy Manager to maintain a healthy balance between the football, educational and welfare needs of young players.
- Ensure compliance with PGAAC audit requirements in conjunction with the Academy multidisciplinary team, as part of the Academy Management Team.
- Oversee and arrange a development, transport and welfare plan for Youth Development Phase players participating in the School Release Programme, creating agreements, identifying educational coursework and monitoring the progress of these players.
- Work with the Head of Safeguarding and Club Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
- Ensure all paperwork and registers are up to date, and that the monitoring and review of player attendance and progress is accurate and reported to the Academy Secretary and Academy Manager as required.
- Ensure all players and parents are informed of details regarding planned activities, and that appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding provisions are in place.
- Develop an appropriate education review and feedback process for the Academy Management Team (AMT).
- Complete six-week reviews, half-season and full-season reports.
- Input data where required in relation to national benchmarking and effective measurement using the Online PMA.
- Conduct individual player reviews in coordination with the Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development Phase coaches every six weeks.
- Work closely with the Academy Manager on the financial management of the education budget, including budget planning and control for the educational team, tracking and management of the Education Support Fund and any CPD-related activities.
What Are We Looking For?
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
- Possess a relevant teaching qualification.
- Experience of teaching in Higher Education (HE) or Further Education (FE).
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the Education Management System (League Football Education).
- Up-to-date knowledge of Ofsted requirements and apprenticeship reforms.
- Knowledge and understanding of child development, with sensitivity to children's needs.
- Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, including holding a current FA Safeguarding Children Workshop certificate.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of working with young players.
- High levels of communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to manage and prioritise effectively whilst maintaining quality.
Perks of the Job
- Discount at the Club Shop.
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Opportunity to access tickets for events at the Brick Community Stadium.
Sign in for free to apply — it takes less than a minute. You continue on the website of Wigan Athletic.
This vacancy comes from the website of Wigan Athletic. You apply directly with the club.
More jobs at Wigan Athletic
WA
Casual Academy Goalkeeping Coach
Wigan Athletic · Wigan
WA
Sous Chef
Wigan Athletic · Wigan
WA
Head Chef
Wigan Athletic · Wigan
WA
Bar & Catering - Casual roles
Wigan Athletic · Wigan
Similar jobs: Youth development
U15-16 Performance Analyst
Manchester United · Manchester
Academy Receptionist
Derby County · Derby
SU
Academy Hosts
Sheffield United · Sheffield
SU
SUW Academy Goalkeeping Lead & Under 21 Assistant Coach
Sheffield United · Sheffield
ST
Academy Coach (casual - Foundation Phase)
Swindon Town · Swindon
Explore more football jobs
