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Principal - Job Opportunity at The City College

London, United Kingdom
Full-time
Executive
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
GBP 60,000-70,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive company pension scheme providing long-term financial security and retirement planning support, positioning competitively within the UK higher education sector
Stable full-time employment in the rapidly evolving higher education landscape
Leadership role with significant autonomy and strategic decision-making authority
Professional development opportunities through continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and industry best practices

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic academic leadership across all educational programmes, directly impacting institutional reputation and student outcomes through collaborative oversight of curriculum delivery and alignment with organizational mission
Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance frameworks ensuring regulatory compliance with OfS, DfE, and Pearson standards, safeguarding institutional accreditation and market position
Lead comprehensive curriculum innovation initiatives, championing creative assessment methodologies and embedding best practices that enhance student learning outcomes and institutional competitiveness
Develop and mentor academic staff through structured observation programs and professional development initiatives, building institutional capacity and ensuring teaching excellence
Serve as primary student advocacy liaison, overseeing representative training and feedback systems that directly influence institutional policy and student satisfaction metrics
Manage complex regulatory compliance portfolio including critical data submissions to multiple external bodies, ensuring institutional accountability and maintaining operational license
Chair Academic Board and facilitate cross-institutional collaboration, driving strategic decision-making that shapes institutional direction and educational quality

Requirements

Education

Higher Degree Level Qualification (e.g., Master's or PhD) in a relevant discipline

Experience

5 years in higher education with significant relevant experience of teaching at Level 4 and above, plus held similar roles in leadership or a Principal role within a higher education setting

Required Skills

Exceptional organisational and planning skills with proven ability to manage complex schedules, prioritise tasks effectively, and meet stringent deadlines Deep understanding of operational dynamics within an educational institution, including team dynamics and individual contributions, with track record of effective delegation and staff empowerment Strong interpersonal skills including ability to build and nurture robust working relationships with all colleagues from directors to support staff while fostering collaborative and approachable environment Proven accountability and ownership for outcomes, demonstrating capacity to make independent decisions and take full responsibility Strong leadership and management abilities with proven track record of overseeing academic programmes and mentoring staff in higher education setting Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to articulate complex academic and regulatory concepts clearly and concisely Ability to work positively and constructively within small, flexible team, fostering collaborative environment Demonstrated ability to deal promptly and effectively with inappropriate behaviour from students or staff Ability to relate effectively and sensitively to students and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures Strong commitment to equality and diversity and its practical application in classroom and college environment Deep commitment to student-centred teaching and learning, quality assurance, and excellent customer care Meticulous attention to detail and highly organised approach to manage complex regulatory requirements and deadlines
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

UK higher education sector experiencing significant regulatory transformation with increased OfS oversight and accountability measures, requiring principals to navigate complex compliance landscapes while maintaining academic excellence Growing emphasis on vocational and professional qualifications alignment with industry needs, particularly in specialized fields like acupuncture and health sciences, creating demand for leaders who can bridge academic and professional practice Post-Brexit educational policy changes and international student market fluctuations requiring adaptive leadership in smaller colleges to maintain competitive positioning and financial sustainability Digital transformation in higher education accelerating post-pandemic, demanding principals who can integrate technology while preserving quality assurance standards and regulatory compliance

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £60,000-70,000 is positioned competitively within the UK higher education sector for small to medium-sized colleges, though potentially 15-20% below comparable roles at larger universities. This range reflects the specialized nature of the institution and London location premium, while remaining attractive for candidates seeking significant autonomy and leadership development opportunities.

Role Significance

The principal will likely oversee a compact but diverse team of 15-25 academic and administrative staff, including programme leaders, lecturers, course tutors, and support personnel, requiring hands-on leadership style and direct mentoring capabilities across multiple functional areas.
This executive-level position represents the apex of academic leadership within the institution, carrying full operational accountability for academic quality, regulatory compliance, and strategic direction. The role combines traditional academic leadership with modern regulatory management, requiring both educational vision and administrative expertise at the highest institutional level.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive quality assurance frameworks to meet evolving OfS and regulatory requirements Development of innovative vocational programme partnerships with industry bodies and professional organizations Strategic curriculum modernization initiatives incorporating digital learning technologies and professional practice integration Annual regulatory compliance projects including complex data submissions and external examiner coordination processes

Success Factors

Mastery of UK higher education regulatory landscape including OfS requirements, data return protocols, and quality assurance frameworks, enabling seamless institutional compliance and risk management Exceptional relationship-building capabilities across diverse stakeholder groups including students, academic staff, external examiners, and regulatory bodies, fostering collaborative institutional culture Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence, allowing effective navigation between long-term institutional vision and immediate compliance demands while maintaining academic quality Cultural competency and inclusive leadership approach essential for managing diverse student populations and international academic standards in London's multicultural educational environment

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced higher education leaders capable of managing complex regulatory requirements while driving academic innovation, particularly in London's competitive educational landscape where smaller colleges require versatile leaders who can handle diverse operational challenges.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Regulatory compliance expertise is absolutely essential given the complex web of OfS, DfE, Pearson, and BAAB requirements that form the foundation of institutional operations and accreditation. Failure in this area directly threatens institutional viability and student outcomes. Academic leadership and quality assurance skills are fundamental for maintaining educational standards and institutional reputation. The ability to mentor staff, oversee curriculum development, and ensure teaching excellence directly impacts student satisfaction and graduate outcomes. Data management and reporting capabilities are crucial for meeting multiple annual regulatory submissions and maintaining institutional accountability. These technical skills support strategic decision-making and regulatory relationships. Interpersonal and communication skills enable effective stakeholder management across diverse groups including students, staff, external examiners, and regulatory bodies, forming the foundation for collaborative institutional success.

Beneficial Skills

Professional qualification in relevant disciplines enhances credibility and understanding of industry requirements, particularly valuable given the college's vocational focus and professional programme emphasis. International higher education experience provides valuable perspective on global educational trends and alternative approaches to quality assurance and student engagement. Digital technology and online learning expertise becomes increasingly valuable for institutional competitiveness and student accessibility, particularly in post-pandemic educational delivery models. Financial management and budgeting skills support strategic resource allocation and institutional sustainability, complementing academic leadership with business acumen essential for independent college operations.

Unique Aspects

Dual focus on traditional higher national qualifications and specialized acupuncture programmes creates unique regulatory and academic challenges requiring diverse expertise and stakeholder management
Direct accountability for multiple external quality assurance processes including Pearson oversight, BAAB reviews, and OfS compliance, demanding exceptional organizational and project management capabilities
Role combines traditional academic principalship with hands-on operational management, offering significant autonomy and direct impact on institutional success
Position requires daily commuting to central London with permanent UK residency requirement, reflecting commitment to on-site leadership and community engagement

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for successful principals, with advancement opportunities depending on institutional growth, regulatory expertise demonstration, and strategic leadership outcomes achieved during tenure.

Potential Next Roles

Vice-Chancellor or Principal positions at larger higher education institutions seeking leaders with proven regulatory compliance and quality assurance expertise Senior educational consultancy roles advising multiple institutions on regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and academic excellence frameworks Executive positions within regulatory bodies such as OfS or QAA, leveraging practical institutional experience in policy development and oversight International higher education leadership roles, particularly in systems adopting UK-style quality assurance models and regulatory frameworks

Company Overview

The City College

The City College operates as a specialized higher education provider focusing on vocational qualifications and professional programmes, particularly in health sciences and business education. The institution emphasizes practical skill development and industry alignment, serving students seeking career-focused education pathways. As a smaller, independent college, it maintains close industry connections and offers personalized learning experiences.

The college occupies a niche position within London's competitive higher education landscape, differentiating itself through specialized programme offerings and professional qualification focus. While smaller than major universities, it benefits from agility and industry responsiveness, allowing rapid adaptation to market demands and regulatory changes.
Strategically located in London's educational corridor, the college serves both domestic and international students seeking accessible higher education alternatives. Its London location provides advantages in terms of industry partnerships, graduate employment opportunities, and access to diverse student populations, while presenting challenges related to operational costs and competitive recruitment.
The institution likely maintains a collegial, hands-on work environment where senior leaders work closely with academic and administrative staff. The emphasis on regulatory compliance and quality assurance suggests a structured, process-oriented culture balanced with academic freedom and innovation. The small team size promotes collaboration and shared accountability across all organizational levels.
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