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- Tasks: Lead the team to enhance career pathways for students and ensure high-quality destinations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking educational organisation dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Permanent, full-time role with hybrid working options and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on safeguarding and student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' futures by shaping their career journeys.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in careers advice within an educational context.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Reports to: Director of Sixth Form
Start date: August or September 2026
Location: Currently operating hybrid working in our West London office
Contract: Permanent, Full time
Interviews will take place 21st & 22nd May 2026
The purpose of this role is to lead our network team and our schools in the next phase of our work on careers and destinations. You will build on our network strategy, oversee further codification and implementation of principles and approaches that ensure all Ark leavers, whether post-16 or post-18, are ready to progress to high-quality destinations that facilitate their career of choice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curate and develop the messaging, goals and objectives for all destinations work within the Sixth Form and Destinations Team
- Develop strong working relationships at senior level across Ark, seeking out opportunities for collaboration and solving areas of tension or challenge
- Further develop our destinations strategy across all phases in primary and secondary, within our Sixth Form & Destinations Strategy, with particular focus on work in KS3 to KS5
- Build and maintain strong relationships with RDs, Principals and SLT responsible for destinations and CEIAG
- Maintain project plans for new initiatives: managing the research, pilot, launch and implementation phases of each
Knowledge & Skills:
- Knowledge of Gatsby Benchmarks and DfE expectations around careers advice and guidance for young people
- Experience & knowledge of post-18 destinations advice and guidance, gained from leadership of staff in a school or college context (or equivalent experience in the education sector)
- Line management and/or coaching experience, and experience of developing staff
- Experience of basic finance processes including budgeting and financial planning and successfully developing strategy and vision
- Experience of working with and influencing a range of senior stakeholders (e.g. Principals, Regional Directors or equivalent)
Qualification Criteria:
- Educated to degree level
- QTS (Desirable)
- Right to work in the U.K.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Head of Destinations employer: Ark Schools
Contact Detail:
Ark Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Destinations
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around careers and destinations. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Destinations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for careers and destinations. Use examples from your experience that highlight your skills and achievements in a genuine way.
Structure is Key: Keep your application clear and organised. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. A well-structured application shows that you can communicate effectively, which is super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything in one place!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Know Your Gatsby Benchmarks
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Gatsby Benchmarks and DfE expectations around careers advice. This knowledge will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to ensuring students are ready for high-quality destinations.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Try to connect with current or former employees at Ark before your interview. Understanding their experiences and insights can give you a leg up in building rapport with the interviewers and showcasing your collaborative spirit.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully led initiatives or influenced senior stakeholders. Be ready to share these stories, as they’ll illustrate your leadership skills and ability to drive strategy.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Be prepared to discuss your vision for the destinations strategy across all phases. Articulate how you would approach developing this strategy and what innovative ideas you have to enhance career guidance for students.