At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the student experience at Victoria College of Arts and Design.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven higher education provider in London.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, career development, and discounts on gym and retail.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse students' lives and champion inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in student services and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Job Location: Onsite, Canary Wharf, London
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Salary Range: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum
Are you a passionate Student Experience Leader ready to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds? Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) is an independent higher education provider with campuses in London and Manchester. We deliver programmes in partnership with Arts University Plymouth and are proud to serve a community of mature learners, first-generation students, and individuals balancing study with work and family life.
We are at an exciting point in our journey — actively progressing our registration with the Office for Students (OfS) — and we are looking for an exceptional leader to take ownership of our entire student experience function at this pivotal moment.
The Opportunity
As Head of Student Experience, you will lead and shape everything that defines life as a VCAD student — from the moment they enrol to the day they graduate and beyond. You will have strategic oversight of our Student Information Team, Student Engagement Team, Student Services, Health & Wellbeing, Careers & Employability, and Academic Skills functions, reporting directly to the Directors of VCAD.
This is not just a management role. It is a genuine opportunity to build, transform, and champion a student experience that is inclusive, data-driven, and sector-leading.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the development and delivery of VCAD's institutional Student Experience strategy across all campuses
- Playing a central role in our OfS registration journey — with particular focus on student experience and student satisfaction
- Driving data-informed approaches to student retention, early intervention, and targeted support for students at risk
- Overseeing student wellbeing, mental health, disability support, and safeguarding compliance (Equality Act 2010, GDPR)
- Leading a comprehensive employability strategy — building industry partnerships and equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce
- Representing the student experience at Board and senior leadership level
- Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across every aspect of the student journey
What We're Looking For
We'd love to hear from you if you bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in student services or student experience within UK higher education
- Strong working knowledge of the OfS regulatory framework, including B3 student outcomes and Access & Participation obligations
- A proven track record of using data and insight to improve student outcomes at institutional level
- Excellent people leadership skills — you know how to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
- A genuine and demonstrable commitment to widening participation and inclusive practice
- Experience managing budgets and delivering high-quality services in a resource-conscious environment
- Bonus points if you have experience in a small or independent HE provider, familiarity with HESA data returns, or a background supporting students with complex needs.
Benefits
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Company Sick Policy
- Statutory maternity/paternity pays
- Career development opportunities
- Training and self-development opportunities
- Gym membership discounts
- Retail discount schemes
- Cinema discounts
- Grocery discounts
- Cycle to work
- Investing and savings opportunities
- Financial wellbeing – personal debt advice
- Financial wellbeing education
- My Mind Pal (mental fitness)
Ready to Apply?
If you are passionate about student success and want to help shape the future of a growing, purpose-driven higher education provider, we would love to hear from you. Victoria College of Arts and Design is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building an inclusive team and warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Students in London employer: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Victoria College of Arts and Design is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Canary Wharf, London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive career development opportunities, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits including gym membership discounts and financial wellbeing support. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of diverse students while being part of a dynamic team that champions equality and innovation in higher education.
Contact Detail:
Victoria College of Arts and Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Students in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at VCAD on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching VCAD's recent initiatives and challenges. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their mission of enhancing student experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially those around leadership and inclusivity. We need to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and how we can lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the VCAD team.
We think you need these skills to ace Students in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Student Experience role. Highlight your relevant experience in student services and how it aligns with VCAD's mission to support diverse learners.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for enhancing student experiences shine through! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in previous roles, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves using data to improve student outcomes, mention any experience you have with data analysis or implementing data-informed strategies. This will show that you understand the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victoria College of Arts and Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into VCAD's mission and values. Understand their approach to student experience and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows genuine interest and preparation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in improving student outcomes and how you’ve championed diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss your strategies and the impact they had.
✨Data is Key
Since this role involves a data-driven approach, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Discuss any metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your success in enhancing student experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about VCAD’s current challenges and future goals regarding student experience. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
