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- Tasks: Lead and transform the student experience at VCAD, ensuring inclusivity and support.
- Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design, a purpose-driven higher education provider.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, career development, gym discounts, and financial wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape their educational journey.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in student services and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to supporting diverse student backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Student Experience in Slough employer: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Contact Detail:
Victoria College of Arts and Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Experience in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Victoria College of Arts and Design on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into VCAD's mission and values. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but that we genuinely care about enhancing the student experience and promoting inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and student engagement. We should be ready to share specific examples of how we've improved student outcomes or led successful teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the Head of Student Experience position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Experience in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for enhancing student experiences shine through. We want to see how you can make a real difference in the lives of students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves using data to improve student outcomes, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with data analysis or insights. We love seeing how you've used data to drive positive changes in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Student Experience role. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victoria College of Arts and Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Victoria College of Arts and Design'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, especially in student services or higher education. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams, as this is crucial for the Head of Student Experience role.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to improve student outcomes. Bring examples of strategies you've implemented based on data insights, particularly in areas like student retention and support for at-risk students.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the focus on diversity and inclusion, prepare to talk about your commitment to these values. Share experiences where you've championed equality and supported underrepresented groups, demonstrating that you can lead with empathy and understanding.