Head of Student Support, Finance & Careers

At London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT), our mission is to equip learners with practical skills and industry-focused knowledge that bridge the gap between education and employment. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators by delivering high-quality, flexible, and relevant learning experiences.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Registrar/Dean, the Head of Student Support will provide strategic and operational leadership across the full range of non-academic student services at LAAT. This is a senior, wide-ranging role encompassing student admissions and enrolment, administration and records, IT and digital access, learning support, wellbeing, student finance, careers and employability, and outreach and partnerships. The post holder will be the institution's expert on Student Loan Company (SLC) processes and student finance, while simultaneously overseeing the entire student journey from first enquiry through to graduation and progression. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a truly integrated Student Support function at a forward-thinking applied technology college.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and manage all non-academic student support services within a cohesive, student-centred function.
• Oversee the full student lifecycle from enquiry, admissions, and enrolment through to completion and progression.
• Set clear service standards, escalation pathways, and quality benchmarks across all student-facing teams.

Student Finance & SLC

• Act as the institution's expert on Student Loan Company (SLC) processes, policies, and funding eligibility.
• Provide expert guidance to students on SLC applications, documentation, and resolving payment issues.
• Serve as the primary liaison between LAAT and the SLC, managing outstanding cases and monitoring funding status.
• Deliver workshops and guidance sessions on student finance and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.

Admissions, Enrolment & Administration

• Oversee admissions, enrolment, and registration processes in line with partner university and institutional policies.
• Ensure accurate student data capture, records management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee wellbeing, welfare, and pastoral care systems, acting as a point of escalation for student welfare concerns.
• Coordinate inclusive learning support, reasonable adjustments, and access to Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
• Ensure students have reliable access to digital systems including the VLE, email, and assessment platforms.

Careers, Employability & Outreach

• Establish and lead a Careers and Employability service, including workshops, employer events, and career planning.
• Drive outreach and partnership activities to support widening participation and institutional growth.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure student services operate in line with Office for Students (OfS) conditions of registration.
• Support complaints, appeals, and conduct procedures, and contribute to institutional monitoring and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years' experience in student services or a related role within HE or FE offering HE courses.
• Demonstrable experience managing student-facing services or operational teams.
• Sound knowledge of Student Loan Company processes, student finance applications, and funding eligibility.
• Understanding of the student lifecycle, inclusive education practices, and data protection requirements.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex student cases professionally and with empathy.
• Experience in a private higher education provider or franchised partnership environment.
• Familiarity with Office for Students (OfS) regulatory expectations.
• Experience supporting outreach, employer engagement, or widening participation activities.

WHY JOIN LAAT?

• A genuinely strategic and varied leadership role with real scope to shape student services.
• A collaborative, ambitious, and growing institution committed to applied learning and student success.
• Supportive senior leadership team and a culture that values both professionalism and wellbeing.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression.