Head of School of Education, Language and Psychology

Full time permanent 

Location: York

Head of School of Education, Language and Psychology

For almost 200 years, York St John University has transformed the lives of people from all backgrounds through the power of education. York St John is among the top 40 universities nationally for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2024). We were recently named ‘University of the Year for Social Inclusion’ in the Times and Sunday Times’ Good University Guide 2025 in recognition of the work we do to ensure that degree level education and graduate jobs are accessible to all.

The University supports over 13,000 students and 1,100 staff at its campuses in York and London. Recent major initiatives include expansive allied health facilities and investment in design, creative arts and computing spaces, as well as a dedicated Student Hub. 

Under Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Bryan, the University is now seeking to recruit a Head of School of Education, Language and Psychology who can provide strategic and academic leadership in a time of change and challenge within the HE sector. The Head of School will be responsible for formulating and operationalising academic strategy, ensuring appropriate plans and resources are in place for their delivery. They will build on existing strengths and develop new and innovative opportunities to take the School forward.  

The Role

Approachable and visible, the successful candidate will lead a team that is dedicated to enhancing our students’ experience helping them to achieve their career aspirations in the subject area they have chosen. The School offers a broad range of subjects including Primary and Secondary Education, Early Years, Language, Psychology and Counselling. The appointee will be ambitious and will have the ability to work collaboratively with staff, peers, students and external stakeholders to deliver results and lead the School into a challenging but exciting future.  As Head of School, you will be a member of the University’s Senior Leadership Team and occupy a senior academic position. As well as leading the School’s academic teams, you will work closely with our other Deans and Heads of School, and Directors of Professional Services, to lead and support the wider strategic activities of the University.

Required Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with academic credibility in teaching and in research. They will have senior management experience gained in the Higher Education sector. They will bring significant experience of delivering excellence in learning and teaching, academic delivery and student experience, and will be able to demonstrate the capability to manage a diverse team. Excellent knowledge of policy developments in the HE sector, the TEF, the REF and NSS will be critical. Candidates must be able to foster a culture of inter-disciplinary team working, make tough decisions, and inspire a community around common aspirations.

Further Information

Applications are particularly welcome from female, disabled, black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in senior positions in the University. We are committed to equality: if for any reason you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on your career path, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. All applications at the University are considered on merit.

It is anticipated that the assessment process will include a familiarisation day on Friday 6 June, panel interview and presentation on Friday 13 June. Please see attached candidate literature for further details regarding this vacancy.

For an informal discussion please book an appointment via ESO@yorksj.ac.uk to discuss the role with the Pro Vice Chancellor Education. The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 18 May 2025

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship subject to UKVI criteria being fulfilled. For further information regarding this visa route please visit Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk ).

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process.  Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate guidance which provides advice about completing the application process.

If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk.  Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point  in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form.  Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role.  We are aware that AI can assist you with this, but we would prefer you to share your answers in your own words.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including - 

- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period

- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)

- Pension scheme

- Health Cash Plan after six months service

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists

- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software

- Relocation expenses package for certain roles

- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)

Further information about life at YSJ

Our candidate brochure provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees. 

Read more about our culture, inclusive community, working arrangements and benefits for York St John employees

Read the latest news, views and stories from our staff and students.  

Read more about our commitment to managing and reducing our environmental impact and to promoting sustainable development wherever we can.