Head of Student Development

Derby College Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK seeks a Head of Student Development to lead strategies fostering engagement and personal growth among students. This role involves overseeing pastoral support, careers education, and mental health initiatives while ensuring a positive environment for all. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities and a passion for student success. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £49,000 per annum, along with various benefits, including pension contributions and discounts on services.

Benefits

Local Authority Pension Scheme with 19.9% employer contribution

Discount at onsite nursery

TOTUM discount card

Discounts on train tickets

Free Microsoft Office and OneDrive storage

Discount on salon treatments

Free will writing and consultation services

Continuous development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of student success frameworks.
• Proven ability to inspire positive behaviours and attitudes.
• Experience in managing pastoral support and mental health initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategies that promote positive behaviour across learning environments.
• Oversee careers education and guidance for students.
• Act as Mental Health Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children.
• Manage student financial support and improve attendance.

Skills

Leadership

Excellent communication

Relationship-building

Understanding of pastoral care

Experience in careers education

Job description

Optimistic - Equity- Kindness- Innovation– Collaboration

Are you passionate about shaping the future of students and driving a culture of success? We are looking for an inspiring leader to join our team as Head of Student Development. This pivotal role will champion behaviour for learning, participation, and personal growth, ensuring every student has the tools and support to thrive.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead strategies that promote positive behaviour and engagement across all learning environments and provision types. You’ll drive initiatives that enhance student participation, enrichment, and personal development, while overseeing careers education and guidance to prepare students for life beyond college. Providing exceptional pastoral support and fostering resilience will be central to your work, alongside acting as the college’s Mental Health Lead to embed a proactive approach to wellbeing.

As the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, you will ensure their needs are met and aspirations supported. Collaboration with academic and support teams will be key to creating an inclusive, aspirational student experience. You will also lead the tutorial programme, ensuring content meets statutory expectations and covers topics linked to life in Modern Britain. Additionally, you’ll manage student financial support in line with funding rules and guidelines, and spearhead strategies to improve attendance.

For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click here.

About You

We’re looking for a leader with a genuine passion for student success and the ability to influence and inspire positive behaviours and attitudes. You’ll bring a strong understanding of careers education, pastoral care, and personal development frameworks, alongside excellent communication and relationship-building skills to drive meaningful impact across the college community.

Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students—helping them achieve their potential and prepare for bright futures.

For a full explanation of the Person Specification, please click here.

The Benefits

• Membership of the Local Authority Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
• Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
• TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
• Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
• Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
• Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
• Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
• Continuous development and progression opportunities

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at [e-mail].

Safeguarding statement

DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.

Job Description

Up to £49,000 per annum