Sophie Holland
Ormesby,Middlesbrough
Summary
I am a strategic and values-led leader from the North East, shaped by a deep belief in the transformative power of education and community. With over 13 years’ experience in the education sector, I bring energy, resilience and authenticity to the way I lead, creating inclusive environments where individuals feel seen, supported and empowered to succeed.
My leadership style is collaborative and people-centred, grounded in trust and strong relationships. I have significant experience leading complex communities, aligning operational delivery with strategic vision, and driving initiatives that strengthen engagement, belonging and opportunity. I am equally confident setting direction at a strategic level as I am working alongside teams to deliver impact on the ground.
Energetic and solutions-focused, I approach challenges with optimism and determination. I am known for being approachable, honest and clear in my communication, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholder groups effectively. I lead with integrity, take difficult decisions when required, and remain committed to building communities that are ambitious, inclusive and future-focused.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Vice Principal
Durham University (Ustinov College)
Durham
2023.08 - Current
- Contributed to the development and delivery of College strategy, engaging proactively across the Chief Operating Officer (COO) portfolio and wider Professional Services to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
- Provided strategic and operational leadership within a large, diverse postgraduate College community representing 94 nationalities, fostering an inclusive, globally minded environment.
- Designed and implemented a strategic pre-arrival communications plan, including targeted student surveys to inform a bespoke and data-led College enrichment offer.
- Built and sustained productive cross-functional relationships with Heads of College, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, key stakeholders within academic departments, the EDI team, Student Support, Administrative teams, the College Coordinator, and Estates, Facilities and Operations colleagues.
- Led oversight of College schedule management, induction and registration protocols, and core administrative functions, working collaboratively across the University to deliver Welcome and Orientation Week (WOW) and support the full student journey.
- Developed and delivered flagship student enrichment initiatives, including the Global Citizenship Programme, aligning activity with institutional priorities and global engagement strategy.
- Designed and implemented bespoke programmes such as Leadership Across Cultures and the First Generation Scholar Network, enhancing inclusion and engagement for both international and home students.
- Increased student engagement significantly through strategic programme development, community-building initiatives and strengthened communication channels.
- Exercised strategic decision-making authority on behalf of the College, balancing student experience, operational sustainability and staff considerations.
- Managed and monitored a College budget, ensuring financial oversight, accountability and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Designed and facilitated interactive group sessions for staff and students on imposter syndrome and delivered “Hype It Up” aspiration-raising workshops, empowering participants to build confidence, challenge self-doubt and maximise their potential.
- Effectively managed conflict resolution within a highly diverse postgraduate community, navigating cultural differences with professionalism and ensuring constructive, inclusive outcomes.
Student Experience Co-ordinator
Durham University (Collingwood College)
2023.06 - 2023.08
- Delivered key project work to agreed deadlines, ensuring consistent completion of assignments to a high standard.
- Worked with accuracy and efficiency to achieve objectives and maintain momentum across multiple priorities.
- Supported the smooth running of core student experience functions, ensuring effective coordination and delivery.
- Led and oversaw a student enrichment arts project, managing planning, engagement and successful implementation.
Student Experience and Support Manager
Durham University International Study Centre
Stockton On Tees
2021.01 - 2023.06
- Developed and led the strategic vision to align Durham International Study Centre (ISC) student experience with Durham University’s collegiate model, embedding foundation and Master’s foundation students within the wider University community.
- Successfully widened and enhanced the ISC student experience offer, ensuring foundation-year students accessed a meaningful collegiate-style experience, strengthening belonging and institutional integration.
- Contributed to improved student progression outcomes, achieving 94% progression at the time, with increased conversion of foundation students choosing to continue their studies at Durham University.
- Provided strategic oversight of the Durham ISC student experience framework, ensuring alignment with University priorities and student success objectives.
- Acted as the primary liaison between Durham ISC and key Durham University stakeholders, building strong institutional partnerships.
- Established and coordinated the ISC Student Representative Scheme, strengthening student voice and feedback mechanisms.
- Oversaw the development and integration of the Durham ISC Society within Durham University Students’ Union, increasing student engagement and visibility.
- Designed and implemented new strategic initiatives from September 2021, including the Elite Sports Scheme, Community Partnership Project, Student Leadership Projects, and Volunteering Projects.
- Managed and embedded academic engagement within student experience activities to ensure holistic student development and academic progression.
Dance Teacher
Sue Thornton Dance Academy
Middlesbrough, MDB
2005.01 - Current
- Delivered teaching and learning support to children across a wide range of ages and abilities, adapting approaches to meet diverse educational needs.
- Fostered an inclusive and equitable learning environment, ensuring all pupils were supported to achieve and perform to the best of their ability.
- Worked effectively within established leadership structures, implementing guidance and direction from senior staff to ensure consistent and high-quality practice.
Student Support Officer
Durham University International Study Centre
Stockton On Tees
2019.09 - 2021.01
- Managed a welfare caseload of students requiring pastoral and wellbeing support, working sensitively across a diverse international cohort and ensuring appropriate referral, guidance and follow-up.
- Worked across a community of over 800 international students, embedding cultural awareness into events, communications and support structures to ensure inclusivity and representation.
- Planned and delivered enterprise and development projects in collaboration with students and staff, enhancing engagement and professional skills development.
- Led engagement with Durham ISC alumni, strengthening community continuity and progression pathways.
- Coordinated Durham ISC social media strategy, overseeing student-led accounts to ensure brand consistency, safeguarding compliance and culturally appropriate communications.
- Worked in partnership with the welfare team to design and deliver targeted wellbeing communications, promoting accessible support and proactive engagement across the student body.
- Conducted regular progress monitoring, enabling tailored intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify students' developmental needs.
Student Experience Administrator
Durham International Study Centre
Stockton On Tees
2018.09 - 2019.09
- Supported students through the induction process, ensuring a smooth transition and early engagement with college life.
- Coordinated key engagement events including the Halloween Ball and Wellbeing Wednesdays, enhancing student participation and community building.
- Established and facilitated the Staff–Student Liaison Committee, strengthening student voice and promoting constructive dialogue between students and staff.
- Managed and uploaded student experience content via internal social media platforms (Workplace), ensuring timely, engaging and consistent communications.
- Contributed positively within a collaborative team environment, supporting colleagues and maintaining high standards of delivery.
Student Liaison Co-ordinator/ Student Experience Co-ordinator
Middlesbrough College Safeguarding
Middlesbrough
2014.07 - 2018.09
- Designated Safeguarding Lead for Middlesbrough College, overseeing safeguarding provision across a student population of 20,000+ learners, ensuring compliance, effective case management and a culture of safety.
- Led and coordinated safeguarding actions, working proactively within the safeguarding team to assess risk, implement interventions and maintain robust safeguarding procedures.
- Line Managed the Students’ Union President, providing strategic guidance, oversight and support to strengthen student representation and engagement.
- Held strategic responsibility for Student Voice, embedding feedback mechanisms and ensuring student perspectives informed institutional decision-making.
- Coordinated large-scale college-wide events including Freshers’ Fair and Every Student Matters Week, enhancing engagement, inclusion and awareness.
- Worked closely with multi-agency partners across the Tees Valley, strengthening safeguarding responses and collaborative support pathways.
LINX Youth Project Youth Worker
Durham University International
Middlesbrough, MDB
2010.09 - 2015.09
- Collaborated with colleagues to ensure projects were delivered to a high standard, maintaining quality assurance and effective programme outcomes.
- Initiated and developed new project ideas, working both independently and collaboratively to design and implement innovative youth engagement initiatives.
- Consistently met participation and engagement targets for targeted youth programmes, strengthening outreach impact.
- Applied detached youth work methodologies to proactively engage young people within community settings, building trust and sustained involvement.
- Achieved NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 in Youth Work, enhancing professional practice and sector knowledge.
Senior Student Engagement Officer
Middlesbrough College
Middlesbrough, MDB
2013.11 - 2014.07
- Line Manager of the Student Engagement Team, providing leadership, direction and performance oversight for a team of six staff members.
- Provided professional guidance, mentoring and operational support to Student Engagement Officers, strengthening working practices and service delivery.
- Coordinated team priorities and workloads, ensuring strategic alignment and continuous improvement across engagement initiatives.
- Exercised decision-making responsibility to progress team objectives and enhance student support provision.
- Led targeted engagement strategies to support vulnerable students in accessing and sustaining education and training opportunities.
Dance Teacher
Thorntons Dance
Middlesbrough, MDB
2010.03 - 2014.03
- Delivered community street dance sessions in partnership settings, achieving strong engagement and creating an inclusive environment where young people felt confident to step outside their comfort zones.
- Managed cash handling and session payments responsibly, ensuring accurate financial processes and accountability.
- Built positive relationships with parents, carers and community members, strengthening trust, communication and sustained participation.
Student Engagement Officer
Middlesbrough College
Middlesbrough, MDB
2012.10 - 2013.11
- Provided targeted support to vulnerable students at Middlesbrough College, working to remove personal and home-life barriers that could impact course completion and academic success.
- Supported a diverse cohort including young offenders, care leavers, students living independently, and those experiencing substance misuse challenges, ensuring effective engagement within the college environment.
- Managed an active caseload, delivering tailored youth support interventions designed to meet individual needs and improve retention, wellbeing and progression outcomes.
- Worked collaboratively with external agencies and internal college departments to coordinate holistic support and deliver programmes for vulnerable learners.
Employment Advisor
Just 4 Youth
Stockton-on-Tees, STT
2011.05 - 2012.10
- Delivered targeted employment advice and guidance to young people across Stockton and Middlesbrough, supporting progression into education, training and sustainable employment.
- Facilitated ASDAN-accredited money management sessions, equipping young people with practical financial skills to support employability and independent living.
- Supported young people with complex needs, coordinating appropriate interventions and utilising multi-agency support mechanisms to address barriers to engagement and progression.
Personal Advisor
Connexions Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough, MDB
2010.04 - 2011.04
- Worked both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting young offenders and young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), delivering structured and targeted interventions.
- Provided high-quality Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to young people across Middlesbrough, supporting progression pathways in education, training and employment, and addressing complex personal and social barriers.
- Built trusted relationships with vulnerable young people, offering tailored support across a range of issues including engagement, confidence-building and future planning.
- Achieved NVQ Level 3 in Information, Advice and Guidance, strengthening professional practice and safeguarding knowledge.
Sales Assistant
New look Teesside park
Stockton-on-Tees, STT
2008.08 - 2010.03
- Managed stock control and replenishment processes, ensuring accurate inventory levels and minimising financial loss.
- Handled customer enquiries with professionalism, resolving issues efficiently while maintaining service standards and revenue integrity.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety procedures, supporting operational risk management and regulatory standards.
- Delivered till and cash-handling training, promoting financial accuracy, accountability and loss prevention across the team.
Volunteer
Joe Walton's Youth Club
Middlesbrough, MDB
2007.01 - 2010.01
- Delivered youth work support, fostering positive engagement and personal development among young people.
- Managed administrative responsibilities efficiently, maintaining accurate records and supporting operational processes.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, responding effectively to changing circumstances and varied working environments.
- Ensured tasks were completed accurately and within deadlines, maintaining high standards of organisation and attention to detail.
Scheme Leader
Middlesbrough Borough Council Play
Middlesbrough, MDB
2008.07 - 2008.08
- Collaborated within a small team to plan and deliver special events, contributing to smooth coordination and successful outcomes.
- Designed and delivered a wide range of engaging activities for children aged 5–15, adapting content to suit different age groups and abilities.
- Took a proactive leadership role in organising and leading activities, ensuring structure, safety and positive participation throughout.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Teesside University
Middlesbrough2023-05
Level 6 Diploma - Higher Education
Hartlepool College
Hartlepool2014-07
Level 4 Diploma - Higher Education, Guidance
Hartlepool College
Hartlepool2013-07
Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance - Information Advice And Guidance
Middlesbrough Council Connexions
Middlesbrough2011-07
Functional Skill Level 3 Math's - Maths
Stockton Riverside College
Stockton2010-07
Level 2 Youth Work - Youth Work
Linx Youth Project
Middlesbrough 2009.09 - 2010.09
British Association Teachers Dancing - Dance Teacher
Thornton Academy
Middlesbrough2009-09
Master of Arts - Education
Teesside University
Middlesbrough 2024.01 -
GCSE - GCSE's
Nunthorpe Community School
Middlesbrough2008-08
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Social media management
- Performance improvement
- Operations leadership
- Administrative support/leadership
- Inclusivity advocacy
- Educational innovation
- Financial budgeting
- Community engagement
- Event organisation/management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving
- Data entry
- Dependability
- Flexibility
- Team collaboration
- Decision-making
- Person-centered care
- Fundraising
- Event management
- Public Relations
- Regulatory compliance
- Engaging leadership style
- Policy and procedure development
Accomplishments
- British Association of Teachers of Dance Qualified up to Teachers grade in the following: Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary and Street Dance
- Durham University Global Award Nominee 2023 - International Partnership Award Category
- Durham ISC (Study Group) Student Support Progress Award Winner
- PIEoneer Award Nomination and Finalist 2023 - Student Enrichment Programme (Devised by Sophie Holland)
- Durham University Global Award Winner 2025 - Global Student Experience Staff Winner
- Durham University Global Award Winner 2025 - Local to Global Award Winner
- Durham University Global Award Winner 2025 - Global College Award
- Durham University Volunteering Award Winner 2025 - Outreach Award (Ustinov SPARK)
Timeline
Master of Arts - Education
Teesside University
2024.01 -
Vice Principal
Durham University (Ustinov College)
2023.08 - Current
Student Experience Co-ordinator
Durham University (Collingwood College)
2023.06 - 2023.08
Student Experience and Support Manager
Durham University International Study Centre
2021.01 - 2023.06
Student Support Officer
Durham University International Study Centre
2019.09 - 2021.01
Student Experience Administrator
Durham International Study Centre
2018.09 - 2019.09
Student Liaison Co-ordinator/ Student Experience Co-ordinator
Middlesbrough College Safeguarding
2014.07 - 2018.09
Senior Student Engagement Officer
Middlesbrough College
2013.11 - 2014.07
Student Engagement Officer
Middlesbrough College
2012.10 - 2013.11
Employment Advisor
Just 4 Youth
2011.05 - 2012.10
LINX Youth Project Youth Worker
Durham University International
2010.09 - 2015.09
Personal Advisor
Connexions Middlesbrough
2010.04 - 2011.04
Dance Teacher
Thorntons Dance
2010.03 - 2014.03
Level 2 Youth Work - Youth Work
Linx Youth Project
2009.09 - 2010.09
Sales Assistant
New look Teesside park
2008.08 - 2010.03
Scheme Leader
Middlesbrough Borough Council Play
2008.07 - 2008.08
Volunteer
Joe Walton's Youth Club
2007.01 - 2010.01
Dance Teacher
Sue Thornton Dance Academy
2005.01 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Teesside University
Level 6 Diploma - Higher Education
Hartlepool College
Level 4 Diploma - Higher Education, Guidance
Hartlepool College
Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance - Information Advice And Guidance
Middlesbrough Council Connexions
Functional Skill Level 3 Math's - Maths
Stockton Riverside College
British Association Teachers Dancing - Dance Teacher
Thornton Academy
GCSE - GCSE's
Nunthorpe Community School