At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Futures Programme, guiding students from Year 7 to prestigious university admissions.
- Company: Join the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, fostering ambition and empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension schemes, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and strategic leadership in education.
- Why this job: Inspire and empower young women to create their own futures with confidence and agency.
- Qualifications: Experience in guiding academically ambitious students and building meaningful relationships.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 57000 £ per year.
Overview
Shaping Bold Ambitions
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Required: January 2027
Salary: £53,000 to £57,000 per annum depending on skills and experience
Are you an inspirational leader ready to empower students to stride out into the world with confidence and agency? We are seeking a dynamic Head of Futures to lead our innovative Futures Programme. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who believes that "what’s next" should be as exciting as the here and now. You will be the architect of our students' journeys, from their first spark of career curiosity in Year 7 to securing places at the world’s most prestigious universities.
Responsibilities
- Aspirational University Admissions (Oxbridge & Elite Global)
- Expert Guidance: Provide high-level, bespoke support for UCAS, Oxbridge, and competitive pathways like Medicine and Law.
- International Horizons: Lead our global application strategy, including Ivy League (Common App) and other world-class international institutions.
- The Competitive Edge: Coordinate an intensive preparation calendar including admissions tests, interview practice, and "super-curricular" enrichment.
- Careers Leadership Across the School (Years 7–13)
- Whole-School Strategy: Design and deliver an engaging, age-appropriate careers curriculum that builds skills in leadership, innovation, and self-awareness from Year 7 onwards.
- Enterprise & Employability: Foster an "enterprising mindset," overseeing work experience, internships, and networking events like our flagship Futures Fair.
- Real-World Connections: Maintain a vibrant network of alumnae and industry partners to provide students with "meaningful encounters" with the world of work.
- Strategic Leadership & Pastoral Care
- Sixth Form Integration: Work at the heart of the Sixth Form Team, collaborating with Tutors and Heads of Year to "stretch and support" every student’s individual voice.
- Data & Insight: Analyse destination data to identify trends and ensure our outcomes continue to reflect the highest academic ambitions.
- Parental Partnership: Act as the authoritative voice for post-18 options, delivering clear, timely, and inspiring communication to our parent community.
About You
You are a forward-thinking professional, who is used to working with academically ambitious young people, thrives on building relationships and guiding young women with strategic clarity, warmth and credibility through life-changing decisions. Most importantly, you are "proud to do things a little differently" to ensure our students leave school not just prepared for the future, but empowered to create their own.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply please click the apply button. Application deadline: Midnight on 10 June 2026. Interviews will take place during the following 2 weeks. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening and online checks will apply to this post.
Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge employer: CDI career development institute
As a leading independent girls' school within the GDST network, we pride ourselves on fostering an empowering and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and personal growth. Our commitment to innovative education and student success is matched by our competitive salary packages, generous benefits, and a supportive environment where every team member can thrive. Join us in shaping the futures of ambitious young women, while enjoying a fulfilling career that values your contributions and encourages you to think creatively.
Contact Details:
CDI career development institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building connections can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Know their values and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more natural you'll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for empowering students shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and lead them towards their futures, so share your vision and experiences that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Futures role. Highlight your experience with university admissions, career guidance, and any innovative programmes you've led that resonate with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your experience and make it more digestible.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDI career development institute
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the school and its Futures Programme. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping students' futures.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and empower students, as well as your strategic thinking in developing career pathways. Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of university admissions processes, especially for Oxbridge and competitive courses. Share insights on how you would guide students through these pathways, including any innovative strategies you've implemented before.
✨Engage with Real-World Connections
Talk about your experience in building networks with industry partners and alumni. Discuss how you plan to create meaningful encounters for students with the world of work, showcasing your commitment to providing them with valuable opportunities.
