Personal Academic Tutor
- Department: Academic Services
- Location: Green Valley Academy, The Atrium, Burrs Place, Luton, LU1 3BE
- Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend working as required
- Reports To: Student Support Manager / Course Director
- Travel Required: Occasional travel between campuses may be required.
About Green Valley Academy
Green Valley Academy, part of the Unibridge Group, is a growing higher education provider committed to delivering an outstanding student experience through high-quality teaching, personalised academic support and strong industry engagement. We are dedicated to supporting students throughout their educational journey, enabling them to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
The Role
The Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) plays a vital role in supporting student engagement, retention, progression and achievement by providing academic guidance, pastoral support and personalised interventions throughout the student lifecycle.
Working closely with academic staff, Student Services and Professional Services, the postholder will act as a first point of contact for students, helping them overcome academic and personal challenges while promoting wellbeing, engagement and successful completion of their studies.
This is a highly student-focused, campus-based role requiring regular face-to-face interaction within a dynamic higher education environment.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
- Provide academic guidance and signpost students to appropriate support services.
- Build positive relationships with students, promoting confidence, engagement and academic success.
- Support students in developing independent learning skills and personal responsibility.
- Act as the first point of contact for students experiencing academic or personal difficulties.
- Deliver individual tutorials, group sessions and academic skills workshops where required.
- Promote student wellbeing and refer students to specialist support services when appropriate.
- Support students through key stages of the student journey, including induction, progression and graduation.
Academic Support
- Monitor attendance, engagement and academic performance using student data.
- Identify students at risk of withdrawal or poor academic performance and implement early intervention strategies.
- Provide advice regarding assessments, submission deadlines, mitigating circumstances and academic regulations.
- Liaise with academic staff regarding attendance, non-submission and student progression.
- Maintain accurate records of student meetings and interventions in accordance with GDPR and institutional policies.
Student Engagement
- Encourage participation in academic and extracurricular activities.
- Support student induction, orientation and transition into Higher Education.
- Promote a positive and inclusive learning community.
- Assist with student feedback activities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Course Directors, Lecturers, Academic Services, Wellbeing Services and Student Support teams.
- Participate in case review meetings and multidisciplinary support discussions.
- Support recruitment events, Open Days and enrolment activities.
- Build effective relationships across academic and professional services teams.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion throughout all aspects of the role.
- Comply with Academy policies, safeguarding requirements and Health & Safety procedures.
- Participate in training and continuous professional development.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
Experience
- Minimum one year's experience within Higher Education, Further Education or student support.
- Experience providing academic guidance, tutoring or student support.
- Experience working with students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Understanding of academic regulations, mitigating circumstances and student progression processes.
- Experience working collaboratively with academic and professional services teams.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to build rapport and motivate students.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent record-keeping and administrative skills.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and student information systems.
- Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise effectively.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within UK Higher Education.
- Teaching qualification or experience delivering workshops or tutorials.
- Knowledge of student wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral support.
- Experience using student records or engagement monitoring systems.
- Understanding of Office for Students (OfS) expectations relating to student outcomes.
Personal Specification
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for supporting students to succeed.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A caring, approachable and empathetic manner.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- High levels of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
- A collaborative and proactive approach to supporting students.
- Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Resilience and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and delivering an outstanding student experience.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Pension Scheme
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Professional development and funded training opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Free onsite parking
- Career progression opportunities within the Unibridge Group
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting students, promoting academic success and making a positive difference to the student experience, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and join Green Valley Academy, where you will play a key role in helping students thrive academically, personally and professionally.