Head of Student Services

Education Partnership; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Sunderland is seeking a Head of Student Services for maternity cover. This full-time role requires a leader who prioritizes students and fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture. Key responsibilities include providing values-led leadership, championing student engagement, and ensuring a high-quality student experience across campuses. The position requires a degree or equivalent experience and significant leadership experience. A generous benefits package, including a large holiday allowance and wellbeing support, is offered.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (35-48 days)

Flexible working options

Access to myLifestyle benefits platform

Wellbeing support through a digital hub

Free parking on most campuses

Free Gym access at Bede Campus

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or significant relevant experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and services.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible, values-led leadership for Student Services.
• Champion student voice and engagement.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring compliance and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Empathy

Collaboration

Project Management

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience

Leadership and Management qualification at Level 3

GCSE English and Maths at Grade A–C

Tools

Microsoft 365

Data dashboards

Job description

Overview

Head of Student Services (South) - Maternity Cover

Location: Any Campus

PostType: Full Time

ContractType: Fixed Term- Ends 14/05/2027

ClosingDate: 23:59 hours GMT on Monday 23 February 2026

InterviewDate: Monday 23 March 2026

Reference: 0056-26

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)

At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the Candidate

We’re looking for a courageous and authentic leader who puts students first and leads with empathy, integrity and purpose. Respectful and inclusive in their approach, they will build trust, listen to student and staff voice, and work collaboratively to remove barriers and strengthen belonging. Driven by excellence, they will inspire teams to innovate, take action and deliver real impact—acting as a visible changemaker who turns our values into improved experiences, outcomes and stronger communities for all students.

About the Role

This is a high‑impact leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a consistently outstanding student experience across Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. It’s a great opportunity for an ambitious leader to influence culture, lead meaningful change and make a visible difference to students’ lives at scale. The role offers significant professional growth through cross‑college leadership, sector engagement, safeguarding leadership and close working with senior leaders. You’ll also work with modern digital communication tools, data‑driven insight, and Microsoft 365 platforms to enhance engagement, collaboration and continuous improvement across the student journey.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide visible, values‑led leadership for Student Services, ensuring a consistent, inclusive and high‑quality student experience across campuses.
• Lead and support multidisciplinary teams, setting clear priorities, coaching staff and promoting a strong culture of wellbeing, safeguarding and accountability.
• Work closely with senior leaders, curriculum teams, parents and external partners to remove barriers, strengthen belonging and improve student outcomes.
• Champion student voice and engagement, using insight and data to shape initiatives, events and improvements across the student journey.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust practice, compliance and a safe, supportive environment for all students.
• Monitor performance, manage resources and drive continuous improvement through effective planning, reporting and use of digital tools.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate significant relevant professional experience
• Leadership and Management qualification at Level 3 or above, or a willingness to work towards this

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade A–C* (or equivalent)
• Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development (CPD)
• Safeguarding qualification at Level 3, or a minimum of Level 2 with a commitment to achieve Level 3
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and services, with a track record of delivering improvement and developing staff performance.
• Strong experience of student support and pastoral care in a post‑16 (or equivalent) education setting, with a clear student‑centred approach.
• Demonstrable safeguarding experience, including the ability to manage complex, sensitive issues and promote a strong culture of student welfare and safety.
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence effectively across departments and with external partners to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience using data and insight to drive improvement, inform decision‑making and evaluate impact on student outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to build trust, lead change and engage confidently with students, staff and stakeholders.
• Experience of leading large or multidisciplinary teams, ideally across multiple sites or services.
• Project or programme management experience, delivering cross‑college initiatives, events or engagement activities.
• Experience of partnership working with external agencies, employers or community organisations to enhance student support and engagement.
• Knowledge of youth work, community cohesion or social action frameworks, and their application within education settings.
• Experience of quality improvement and inspection readiness, including contributing to audits, reviews or Ofsted processes.
• Confidence using digital platforms and communication tools (e.g. Microsoft 365, data dashboards, student engagement systems) to support collaboration and impact.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Vikkie Morton ([e-mail]) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.