Head of Department – Access to Higher Education

Leeds City College; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds City College is seeking a Head of Department for Access to Higher Education to lead initiatives that enhance student experiences and outcomes. This role involves collaboration with stakeholders and overseeing high-quality educational provision. The successful candidate will drive practices that ensure students achieve above national outcomes, while also enjoying generous benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Excellent pension schemes

Memberships and discounts

Travel and commuting discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Flexible and hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Government policy related to Access to Higher Education.
• Proven experience managing staff in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and development of Access to Higher Education.
• Support Campus Principals and College Managers to embed Access to HE.
• Develop strategies for excellent outcomes for Access students.

Skills

Leadership

Data Management

Financial Management

Education

Higher Education Qualification

Job description

About The Role

Leeds City College is recruiting for a Head of Department - Access to Higher Education to join the Adult, Community and ESOL team. This is a new role.

The post holder will lead the growth and development of a sector-priority focused offer, with strong LMI input, collaboration with awarding bodies, and progression pathways into University Centre Leeds, Leeds Conservatoire Higher Level provision, and wider universities including degree apprenticeships. They will oversee all aspects of delivery related to Access to HE, ensuring the department remains outward-looking and collaborative with cross-college teams.

As a leader of Access to Higher Education across Luminate FE Colleges, they will drive and embed practices that deliver an outstanding experience for Access students, ensuring all learners achieve outcomes above national rates.

What You Will Do

1. Support Campus Principals, Heads of Department, College Managers, and staff to fully embed Access to HE within the adult offer, providing an outstanding, inclusive, and aspirational experience for students and staff.
2. Develop and lead strategies and projects, including external stakeholder engagement, to support excellent outcomes for Access students, including preparation for university, internal progression, and degree apprenticeships.
3. Develop, deliver, and maintain high-quality Higher Education provision at Leeds City College, focusing on student experience and positive outcomes.

About You

• Thorough and current knowledge of Government policy related to Access to Higher Education, Higher Education funding, and curriculum/qualification reforms.
• Proven experience managing staff in an educational setting.
• Experience in managing and utilizing data for quality improvement, planning, monitoring, and review.
• Experience in managing financial budgets effectively.

Benefits

Our staff enjoy numerous benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement: at least 39 days plus bank holidays (full-time), including Christmas closure days.
• Support Staff: 39 days; Academic & Senior Management: 44 days.
• Excellent pension schemes: Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Memberships and discounts, including TOTUM card.
• Travel and commuting discounts via Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus, and Cycle to Work schemes.
• Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, depending on role requirements.

About Us

Leeds City College is one of the largest further education institutions in the UK and a leading provider of apprenticeships regionally. We offer a vibrant, diverse learning environment with a focus on innovative, supportive, and inspiring education. Our values prioritize students and their success.

We are committed to lifelong learning and investing in our staff’s development, offering a wide range of training opportunities and career progression pathways.

Safeguarding

We are dedicated to safeguarding all students, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff must undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online checks, and references. It is a criminal offence to apply if barred from regulated activity involving children.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our commitment to EDI is central to our values. We promote fairness, respect, and opportunity for all, continually improving our practices to ensure an inclusive workplace that reflects our communities and fosters innovation.

Recruitment Agencies

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. All agency support will be managed directly by us, and agencies will not be liable for fees in unsolicited submissions.