At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the College Services team to enhance student experiences and support their academic journeys.
- Company: Join Kaplan International College London, a vibrant hub for international students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous leave plus discounts on courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while advancing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for student support are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 € per year.
We are looking for a Head of Student Experience and College Operations at our flagship College in central London to be part of the leadership team supporting every student to achieve their dream of studying at university in the UK. You will lead the College Services team, delivering, evaluating and improving the service to our students and stakeholders across the entire student journey, from pre-arrival to arrival in the UK, through the College programmes and to registration at university and beyond.
You will work across the College to deliver an outstanding service to our students and stakeholders. As Head of Student Experience and College Operations, you will lead a dedicated team committed to supporting each student’s success at the College and in future studies at university and beyond. You will ensure that every student receives the personalised support they need to succeed academically, socially and personally.
This is an excellent opportunity for an exceptional Student Support Leader who is looking to expand their skills and build their career with an industry leader.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Demonstrable commitment to personalised, student-centred service delivery.
- An understanding of or demonstrable interest in UK higher education and the needs of international students.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to manage inclusively.
- Proven successful leadership experience in student support or a similar environment.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing and regulatory compliance in an education setting.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively at a senior level to achieve goals.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines through careful management of team workloads and individual projects.
- To be comfortable adopting and applying current and emerging AI technologies to support continuous improvement and innovation.
- An expectation of high standards in yourself and in those you lead and manage.
- A strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent.
What we offer:
- As well as a competitive salary, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 28 days annual leave*
- Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
- 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
- Company pension contributions
- Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels
- Medicash Health Cash Plan
*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.
How to apply:
Please apply with CV and cover letter no later than 9am on 26th May 2026. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.
If you require support completing your application please email the Recruitment Team at kaplanstaff.recruitment@kaplan.com.
Disability Confident Scheme and Reasonable Adjustments:
At Kaplan International Pathways, we're dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive global workforce. As equal opportunity employers, we ensure fair treatment for all employees, safeguarding them from discrimination based on protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010, and beyond.
We actively welcome individuals from varied backgrounds to apply for roles within our organisation, appreciating the distinct viewpoints and contributions they offer. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with visible and hidden disabilities, and individuals of any age or family status.
Furthermore, we proudly endorse and provide a platform for our Employee Resource Groups, such as Kaplan Pride, Higher Ground Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Group, and Parents and Carers. These groups serve as vital forums for support, connection, and advocacy within our company.
Head of Student Experience and College Operations in London employer: Kaplan International
Kaplan International College London is an exceptional employer that prioritises student success and employee development within a vibrant, state-of-the-art environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and opportunities for career progression, all while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of international students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Experience and College Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kaplan International College London on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about enhancing the student experience and operations at KIC London.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences in student support or similar roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Experience and College Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Student Experience and College Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and commitment to student-centred service delivery, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about enhancing the student experience and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Understanding of International Students:Since we work with students from all over the globe, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about supporting international students in higher education.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as we may close the role early if we find the right candidate. Plus, this shows us your enthusiasm for the position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kaplan International
✨Know Your Student-Centred Approach
Make sure you can articulate your commitment to personalised, student-centred service delivery. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported students or stakeholders, and be ready to discuss how you would apply that in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage teams inclusively. Have a few anecdotes ready that demonstrate your ability to lead a diverse team, manage competing priorities, and achieve goals collaboratively.
✨Understand the UK Higher Education Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of the UK higher education system and the unique needs of international students. Be prepared to discuss current trends and challenges in this area, and how you can contribute to enhancing the student experience at Kaplan.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Given the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in this role, think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to these values. Prepare to share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment in previous roles and how you plan to continue doing so.