At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an innovative Futures Programme, guiding students from Year 7 to prestigious university admissions.
- Company: Join the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, dedicated to empowering young women.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, generous pension schemes, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Inspire and empower students to create their own futures with confidence and agency.
- Qualifications: Experience in guiding academically ambitious young people and strong relationship-building skills.
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
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- 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 in Oxford 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 ensures that our staff are not only leaders in their fields but also part of a supportive community dedicated to shaping the futures of ambitious young women. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a focus on meaningful student engagement, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a vibrant educational environment.
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 in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with alumni. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge in Oxford
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 young minds and help them navigate their futures with confidence.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in higher education and employability. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of Oxbridge admissions and can bring that expertise to our Futures Programme.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity, so share your unique approach to leadership and how you plan to make a difference in our students' lives. Let us know what makes you proud to do things differently.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 and how they empower students. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you're aligned with their mission and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Futures, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and guided students in the past. Highlight your experience in building relationships and fostering an enterprising mindset among young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like supporting a student applying to Oxbridge or designing a careers curriculum. Think through potential scenarios and outline your strategic approach to ensure students are well-prepared for their futures.
✨Engage with Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for education and student empowerment shine through. Share your vision for the Futures Programme and how you plan to create meaningful connections between students and the world of work. Passion is contagious, and it can set you apart from other candidates.
