Education Partnership North East
Student Participation Officer

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Student Participation Officer
Student Services Sunderland & Hartlepool
Location: Hartlepool
Salary: £25,949 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Part Time Term Time
Hours per Week: 24
Weeks per Year: 38
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 23 September 2026
Reference: 0691-26
About The College
Hartlepool Sixth Form is the top performing Sixth Form college in the North East for student achievement, with 100% pass rate for over 30 courses and 98% of our student progressing to either College or employment.
Here in Hartlepool, we have been delivering highly successful courses for more than 50 years as the only dedicated sixth form college in the area. Situated on the outskirts of the town centre, we have excellent facilities for both academic and vocational study with excellent sports facilities, fully equipped science labs, and have recently invested in a new digital academy and a health simulation ward.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were 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 recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
- Suitable to work with children and young people.
- The ability to communicate at all levels.
- To have flexibility and willing to try out new ideas.
- Ability to liaise effectively with staff, students and external agencies.
- Well organised and self-motivated.
- Approachable, open and honest.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and maintain professionalism with others.
- To take appropriate responsibility for the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults.
- To uphold British Values, the college values and responsibilities with regard to equality and diversity.
- To understand and adhere to college Health and Safety policies and guidelines ensuring compliance with statutory legislation.
About The Role
To promote and embed a broad enrichment offer, ensuring all students participate in activities that complement and extend their academic learning and personal development.
- Design and run a structured enrichment programme linked to sixth form priorities.
- Create activities that complement A Levels, T Levels and vocational courses.
- Organise opportunities linked to:
- University preparation (EPQ support, guest speakers, academic clubs)
- Careers and employability
- Leadership opportunities
- Volunteering and social action
- Mental health, wellbeing and resilience
- To lead the planning and delivery of a high-quality enrichment programme that enhances academic study, aligns with the College’s Change making Personal Development Framework and prepares students for progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
- To act as an advocate for the student voice, ensuring enrichment opportunities are responsive, ambitious and aligned to student aspirations.
- Help develop student leadership programmes such as:
- Student Council
- Student ambassadors
- Peer mentoring
- Encourage students to lead clubs, societies and events.
- Provide leadership training to help students build communication and organisational skills.
- Ensure all students have equal access to enrichment opportunities.
- To support students to develop cultural capital, personal development, leadership skills and wider experiences expected within an academic sixth form environment.
- Work with teachers to provide “super-curricular” activities connected to subjects.
- Build partnerships with universities, employers and community organisations.
- Organise:
- Guest speakers
- Workshops and masterclasses
- Trips, visits and conferences
- Promote activities that develop critical thinking, debate skills and cultural awareness.
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Events and College Activities
- Plan and run enrichment events such as:
- Freshers’ Fair
- Enterprise themed events
- Themed enrichment weeks
- Guest lecture programmes
- Personal development events
- Support wider college events including open evenings and parent engagement activities.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Track student participation in enrichment activities.
- Collect feedback and data to measure impact on confidence, progression and outcomes.
- Maintain records for quality assurance and inspections.
- Use feedback to improve future activities.
Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Teachers and curriculum leaders
- Student support and careers teams
- Safeguarding staff
- Universities, employers and community organisations
- Contribute to the college’s wider personal development strategy.
Student Support and Safeguarding
- Provide pastoral support during enrichment activities.
- Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns when needed.
- Ensure activities are inclusive, safe and supportive for all students.
Qualifications
- Level 3 recognised qualification or willingness to work towards.
- GCSE Maths and English Grade A* - C or equivalent.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Safeguarding to level 2 with a willingness to work towards level 3 (desirable).
Role Responsibilities
- Map all enrichment activity to the Change making Personal Development Framework themes, ensuring balanced coverage across the academic year.
- Develop a clear enrichment calendar aligned to key milestones (UCAS deadlines, exams, transition points), that compliments A Level, T Level and Vocational. Study.
- Monitor student engagement across all activity and ensure equity of access and participation.
- Work with curriculum colleagues to ensure enrichment complements the tutorial/personal development curriculum.
- Ensure enrichment provision supports progression to university study, apprenticeships and employment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds and an understanding of the needs and issues surrounding them and the difficulties students face
- Experience of positively engaging young people and working with them to improve behaviour.
- Experience of working with young people in a challenging environment including proactively engaging them in challenging situations.
- Knowledge of proactive strategies to motivate students.
- Good understanding of the importance of safeguarding young people and adults at risk.
- A working knowledge and ability to deliver topics around Personal Social Development.
- Basic level of computer literacy (including word processing, use of internet and email).
- Knowledge and understanding of Student Representation and student voice.
- Ability to work occasional Saturdays where reasonably required.
- Ability to drive and access to a vehicle.


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Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
- Ability and willingness to travel between sites
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 - depending on role
- 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
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
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 Nicola Thompson Head of Student Services at nicola.thompson@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
Further details:
Job Description
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