Recruiting for Academic Interviewer
LCK Academy is seeking a dedicated Academic Interviewer to join our admissions team. This role is crucial in ensuring that prospective students are well-suited to our higher education programmes and that our admissions processes uphold the highest standards of fairness, inclusivity, and academic integrity. The successful candidate will conduct thorough interviews, provide impartial guidance, and contribute to our mission of zero self-doubt, zero hardship.
Benefits
We offer the opportunity to develop your career in a collaborative and supportive environment, with a benefits package that includes generous leave and flexible weekday scheduling, tailored CPD and professional development, an inclusive and values-driven workplace, and the chance to make a real impact on students' lives through education.
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion & Ethos
LCK Academy is unapologetically proud of our stance: Zero Self Doubt, Zero Hardship. We're an inclusive environment built on empathy, action, and empowerment, grounded in the UK Quality Code and Equality Act 2010. We make space for diverse voices and encourage applications from those historically underrepresented in higher education.
Job Description
Job Title
Academic Interviewer
Department
Academic
Reporting to
Head of Programme(s)
Hours
Full-time
Location
Harrow, London
London's Community Kitchen Academy (LCKA)
LCKA was established in 2022 with the mission of making high-quality education accessible to all, empowering individuals with qualifications that boost confidence and transform lives. Our ethos is rooted in eliminating self-doubt and hardship through inclusive, supportive, and purposeful education.
The Role
The Academic Interviewer is responsible for conducting interviews with prospective students as part of LCKA's admissions and academic quality processes. The role ensures that student entry is aligned with programme requirements, institutional values, and the Office for Students' (OfS) expectations for student outcomes. The postholder will exercise sound academic judgement, ensure fairness, and uphold inclusive practices during the admissions process.
Main Duties
Admissions Interviewing & Academic Suitability:
- Conduct academic interviews with prospective students applying for higher education programmes at LCK Academy.
- Assess applicants academic background, motivation, communication skills, and readiness for study at the appropriate level.
- Ensure admissions criteria are applied consistently and transparently.
- Make informed recommendations on applicant suitability in line with LCKA's admissions policy and programme specifications.
- Record interview outcomes and notes accurately in accordance with GDPR and data protection policies.
- Offer clear, impartial Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) during the interview process, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their study choices and ensuring they are aware of support services available at LCKA.
- Follow and uphold LCKA's Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion protocols during all interviews.
- Contribute to audit trails required by OfS and regulatory bodies as evidence of fair and transparent admissions processes.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Liaise with Admissions, Academic, and Student Support teams to support the student onboarding experience.
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with prospective students from diverse backgrounds.
- Provide feedback or recommendations for process improvements to the Head of Programmes or Academic Registry.
Quality & Enhancement:
- Participate in calibration sessions and standardisation of interview practices.
- Contribute to ensuring that admission processes support student success, progression, and retention, in line with OfS regulations.
- Identify patterns or risks in academic preparedness and provide recommendations to academic teams for curriculum planning or support interventions.
Essential Criteria
- A Level 6 qualification (Bachelor's degree or equivalent).
- Knowledge of the UK Higher Education system, qualifications framework, and academic standards.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional and empathetic interviewing style.
- Knowledge of English language assessment systems, particularly IELTS and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with the ability to interpret scores and advise applicants accordingly.
- Understanding of Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, and EDI in an educational setting.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise academic judgement fairly and objectively.
- Experience handling confidential information in compliance with data protection regulations.
- Strong IT proficiency, including the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), video conferencing platforms, and online admissions or student record systems.
Preferable Criteria
- Experience in student admissions or academic interviewing within higher education.
- Familiarity with OfS Conditions of Registration, particularly Conditions B1-B5.
- Experience with mature, international, or widening participation applicants.
- Understanding of barriers to learning and support mechanisms.
- A teaching qualification or experience in working with ESOL/EAL learners.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and all employees are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. Carry out duties with due regard to the Academy's commitment to students, Equal Opportunities, Information Governance, Data Protection, Health and Safety policies and procedures. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of LCK Academy and support our mission, please email your CV and short cover letter (max 2 pages) to recruitment@lckacademy.org.uk. Please include the job title you are applying for (i.e., "Academic Interviewer") in the email subject line.