At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality improvement and academic standards in a dynamic college environment.
- Company: Join Nescot, a ‘Good’ rated college with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym discounts, free qualifications, and convenient on-site parking.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student success and educational quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in higher education quality processes and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Head of Quality Improvement & Academic Standards
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form.
Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
- What we are looking for: (please refer to Person Specification for full list of criteria)
- Experience of managing Higher Education quality processes either with an HEI or HE in FE.
- Significant experience of managing academic standards, governance and regulatory compliance.
- Experience of supporting and challenging managers to improve quality.
- Strong analytical capability and ability to use data and evidence to drive improvement.
- Excellent report‑writing and presentation skills.
- Teaching qualification or substantial teaching and learning experience.
Duties/responsibilities: (please refer to Job Description for full list of duties and responsibilities)
- Lead and coordinate the College's quality improvement framework and annual quality cycle
- Advise senior leaders of quality performance, risk and capacity to improve
- Share best practice through workshops, peer learning, teaching forums, and communities of practice
- Lead the production, implementation and evaluation of Self-Assessment Reports, Quality Improvement Plans and associated reviews
- Use performance data, learner voice and quality evidence to identify strengths, gaps and priorities for improvement
- Ensure compliance with academic standards, quality codes and regulatory conditions including Of S, QAA, OIA, awarding bodies and PSRB requirements as applicable
- Lead and oversee academic quality processes including validations, re-validations, exam boards, external examining and external quality review activity
- Play a central role in preparation for inspection, review and external quality actvitity
- Lead and coordinate quality-related CPD and staff development activity
- Support managers in addressing underperformance through structured, evidence-based improvement processes
- Ensure timely and accurate production of quality reports for senior leaders, governors and external bodies
- Line manage staff within the quality improvement and academic standards remit
Benefits
- A discounted on-site gym, sports hall, fitness class, Starbucks, osteopathy and day nursery
- 5-minute walk from Ewell East Station
- Free online qualifications
- Free parking on-site
Nescot is graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted following its latest inspection in January 2023.
Inspectors rated the College as Good in all 8 aspects.
The report recognises that students “enjoy their courses and are motivated to succeed”, and benefit from “highly supportive relationships” with staff.
Safeguarding arrangements are “effective” with regular training for staff, and leaders have in place “an effective policy for safer recruitment.”
At Nescot, we’re proud of our inclusive culture and we welcome all applications.
This college is a smoke-free campus—smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on campus.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and criminal record checks (enhanced DBS clearance).
Closing date 12th August 2026 (we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than advertised)
Interview date expected to be 25th August 2026
Head of Quality Improvement & Academic Standards employer: NESCOT
Nescot is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the welfare of both staff and students. With benefits such as a discounted on-site gym, free online qualifications, and a commitment to employee growth through regular training, this part-time Minibus Driver role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the community while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule in a vibrant educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Improvement & Academic Standards
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like NESCOT just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at NESCOT. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Improvement & Academic Standards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Head of Quality Improvement & Academic Standards role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At NESCOT, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NESCOT
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at NESCOT, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At NESCOT, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
