At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes to support students' futures and career aspirations.
- Company: Cognita Schools is a global leader in independent education, nurturing over 85,000 students worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, school fee discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with experience in UCAS and entrepreneurial pathways; excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Position starts August 2025; early applications encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Futures Coordinator role at Cognita Schools.
About Downsend And Downsend Sixth
Downsend School is proud to be launching Downsend Sixth – the only provider in the local area offering an innovative independent education from 6 months to 18 years. This next chapter is an exciting development for our school, staff, and students. The D6 experience, combined with our new campus and exceptional Faculty, will provide students with the strongest possible foundation for their futures. Located in Leatherhead, our purpose-built D6 campus offers students greater opportunities to develop independence, maturity, and personal growth. Our D6 Core and Future Ready curriculum are designed to enrich every student’s learning experience, with outstanding teaching from subject experts. Through our Future Ready Programme, we provide bespoke support for students' next steps—whether into Higher Education, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship. Our Global Impact Project gives every student the opportunity to make a real difference through tackling real-world challenges across the globe. We recognise the rapidly changing world that our students will enter, and we are committed to preparing the global citizens and changemakers of tomorrow.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Futures Coordinator to join our team from August 2025. This is a full-time, term-time plus role (37.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year), ideal for someone passionate about helping young people thrive in the modern world.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About The Role
- The Futures Coordinator will play a key role in delivering an innovative and impactful programme of events, experiences, talks and trips, tailored to our students’ ambitions and aspirations.
- Offer personalised guidance on university options, UCAS applications, and interview preparation.
- Support students exploring alternative pathways, including business start-ups and entrepreneurship.
- Build partnerships with external organisations that align with our Future Skills vision.
- Work closely with the Executive Head and Senior Leadership Team on student transitions, recruitment, and retention strategies.
- Contribute ideas and drive initiatives forward, collaborating across departments to add value and enhance the student experience.
Who we are looking for:
- An excellent communicator, highly organised and digitally confident.
- Comfortable developing networks and finding opportunities in non-traditional spaces.
- Educated to degree level, with experience and understanding of UCAS, university pathways, and entrepreneurial options.
- Energetic, approachable, and innovative—someone who brings a cheerful, professional presence and inspires high standards in all areas.
Benefits At Cognita
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Professional Development
How To Apply
Please complete the application by Sunday 29th June. To view the full Candidate Pack and Person Specification, Click Here. If you’d like to discuss the role informally, feel free to contact marc.broughton@downsend.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff, volunteers, and third parties are expected to share this commitment. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity in our community. We treat all employees with dignity and respect, regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged - we may interview and appoint before the deadline for the right candidate.
Futures Coordinator employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
marc.broughton@downsend.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Futures Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Future Ready Programme and the D6 curriculum at Downsend School. Understanding their unique approach to education will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their vision during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in university pathways and entrepreneurship. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for student engagement and support. Think about how you can contribute to enhancing the student experience through events, talks, and partnerships, as this is a key aspect of the Futures Coordinator role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the contact provided in the job listing for an informal chat. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also gives you a chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights that could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Futures Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Futures Coordinator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Cognita Schools are looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to support students in their future pathways, such as university applications or entrepreneurship.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles or experiences that relate to student guidance, event coordination, or educational support. Use quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the Futures Coordinator role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping young people thrive in their educational journeys. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to student success.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Futures Coordinator, such as providing guidance on university options and supporting students in alternative pathways. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you should be ready to showcase your ability to connect with students, parents, and external organisations. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles or projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is crucial for this role. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or events in the past, and explain your strategies for staying organised and meeting deadlines.