Head of Student and Academic Services

Would you like to work for an organisation steeped in history but focused on the future and recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence?  An organisation that promotes a healthy work/life balance and recognises and rewards achievements?  If so, then Norland is the place for you. 

Our TEF Gold-rated award-winning early years undergraduate degree and integrated diploma programme is world-renowned for delivering outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students. We hold permanent taught degree awarding powers and offer our own BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside the prestigious Norland diploma. We have won multiple awards, including winning the UK’s top Small or Specialist Provider award on numerous occasions at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. In 2021, Whatuni presented us with a special one-off award as the top UK university for Enhanced Graduate Outcomes.

We are looking to appoint a Head of Student and Academic Services to lead our busy and thriving Student and Academic Services department. As part of this exciting role, you will be a member of the Strategic Leadership Team and lead the Quality and Standards, Library, Student Records and Data, and Student Support teams. You will also lead on student disciplinaries, complaints and fitness to practise/study procedures. This is an important time in Norland’s history and this postholder will join as we apply for University Title and be responsible for preparing our next TEF submission.

 You must hold an MA or equivalent and have substantial experience in senior-level management within higher education.

 The successful candidate should have good attention to detail and strong analytical skills.  They must be able to listen and act with empathy and apply regulations and standards consistently and clearly. An understanding of the requirements for working with babies, young children and their families would be an advantage, as would experience working with competence standards to assess and support student suitability for vocational work. Experience of making reasonable adjustments to learning, teaching and assessment is also required.

You will need to be a self-starter, with the ability to get on well with people, be highly organised in order to meet deadlines and work to a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.  A flexible approach to work and a friendly, approachable nature are key to being successful in this role.

Norland employee benefits:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Generous holiday entitlement, including an extra day off on your birthday and 4 closure days at Christmas 
• Free onsite staff parking
• Support with continued professional development both financially and with study days
• Free onsite tea and coffee
• Occasional staff lunches
• Staff and departmental away days
• Private health care insurance 
• Life assurance scheme 
• Income support scheme with access to an employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Discounts with Sodexo 
• Access to a corporate health cash plan
• Access to a digital mental health and wellbeing service
• Option to lease an electric vehicle.

To apply:

Please complete our online application form and submit this, along with a covering letter addressed to the Principal, Dr Janet Rose to norlandhr@norland.ac.uk. Providing a copy of your CV is optional. 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal at mandy.edmond@norland.ac.uk

For further information about Norland please visit our website via the 'Apply' button.

Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 25 June 2025

Interview date: Friday 4 July 2025

All candidates should ensure that they are available to attend an interview at any time on the above date before applying, alternative interview dates and times are not usually able to be offered. 

Norland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce.  Norland welcomes applications from individuals from groups who are underrepresented in education.

Norland is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  The suitability of all prospective staff will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. All offers made will be on the condition of relevant safer recruitment checks being conducted and in line with Norland’s policies and procedures.