Academic Registrar

Scholars School System is a project of UK CURRICULUM & ACCREDITATION BODY (UKCAB, a registered charity founded in 2006) having campuses across the United Kingdom, is looking for a Retention Officer based in the Bradford campus.

Scholars School System is a national independent higher education provider, offering world class education. Taught programmes, ranging from Foundation Year through to Level 7, delivered in partnership with institutions such as Leeds Trinity University. Over 5000 (UK and EU) learners have successfully completed their learning journey in the last five years with the current student population is over 3000.

Our core values are very important because

1. We share a common set of values across everything we do which helps to define who we are and how we behave.
2. We put our students and our community at the heart of all that we do.
3. We foster excellence, innovation and creativity.
4. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, equality and the breaking down of barriers to success.
5. We have high expectations of ourselves, our students and our partners.

Purpose:

The Academic Registrar will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all academic registry functions across Scholars School System. This senior role is responsible for ensuring the effective management of student admissions, enrolment, records, timetabling, examinations, and academic regulations. The postholder will play a pivotal role in safeguarding academic standards, ensuring compliance with external regulatory requirements, and enhancing the student journey from admission to graduation. Working closely with senior leadership and academic staff, the Academic Registrar will shape and deliver policies, systems, and processes that support institutional growth, maintain academic integrity, and deliver an excellent student experience

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of student records, including enrolment, grades, and academic transcripts.
• Coordinate the development, review, and implementation of academic programmes and curricula in collaboration with academic departments and faculty.
• Interpret and enforce academic policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with institutional standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Manage the graduation process, including degree audits, certification of completion, and commencement ceremonies.
• Assist in the strategic planning, review, and assessment of academic programmes, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate the registration and enrolment processes for students, providing guidance and support as required.
• Monitor and maintain quality assurance processes related to academic programmes, assessments, and accreditation standards.
• Generate and analyse data related to student enrolment, retention, and academic performance for internal reporting and external compliance.
• Oversee the integration and utilisation of technology solutions to streamline academic processes, enhance student services and engagement, and improve data management and reporting capabilities.
• Act as a resource and advocate for student welfare and wellbeing, providing guidance on academic matters, policies, and procedures, and facilitating access to academic resources and support services.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Advance HE, OfS, and other regulatory requirements governing academic programmes, student records, and institutional policies.
• Actively participate in SSS strategic planning initiatives, contributing expertise to shape the future direction of academic programmes and services.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, accreditation bodies, and professional organisations, staying informed of sector developments, best practices, and regulatory changes while representing SSS’s academic interests.
• Undertake any other duties assigned by senior management to support the effective operation of the institution.

Role Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Higher Education or a related field
• Master's degree or Higher in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Must have leadership or management level 5 qualification (CMI/ILM)
• Must have minimum 15 years of experience in higher education sector 
• Significant leadership experience in in academic administration, registrar services, or related higher education roles.
• A professional qualification, diploma or accredited certificate in Academic Administration will be an added advantaged
• Experience managing student information systems, databases, and academic software platforms for record-keeping and reporting.
• Ongoing engagement with professional development and awareness of current trends in the UK higher education sector.
• Demonstrate experience in managing teams across multiple locations.
• A strong commitment to inclusivity, racial equity, and student-centred approaches
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion
• Strong proficiency in registration systems and student information databases.
• Expertise in document management and filing systems.
• Experience managing teams involved in exams and assessments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of HE policies, procedures, and OfS requirements.

Benefits:

• Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)
• Incentives: Up to £5,000 annual incentive, pro-rata and paid quarterly upon meeting KPIs (post successful probation)
• Annual Leave: 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Annual Increment: 3% salary increase each year on service anniversary date, subject to KPI achievement
• Complimentary lunch provided on working days

Job Type:

• Working hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
• This role may involve travel to other campuses, with all travel costs reimbursed
• Full-time, On-site