Progression Lead: Higher Education

Responsibilities

• Champion Elite Progression: Lead on high-level progression strategies, including applications to our most ambitious pathways.
• Innovative Engagement: Coordinate and facilitate high-level enrichment, masterclasses, and external partnerships that bring the worlds of higher education and professional industries directly to our students.
• Dedicated Student Advocacy: Act as a specialist advocate for students, providing expert 1:1 guidance and tailored interventions that bridge the gap between academic potential and successful transition.
• Outstanding National Reputation: Join an 'Outstanding' school with a national reputation for excellence, holding the Quality in Careers Standard for over a decade and the Investors in People: Platinum award.

Qualifications

• Inspires High Aspirations: Has the vision to inspire both students and colleagues, fostering a culture where 'reaching high' is the standard.
• Navigates Complex Pathways: Possesses a deep understanding of the UCAS process, competitive admissions tests and the evolving landscape of higher-level apprenticeships.
• Delivers with Precision: Displays exceptional organisational skills in managing complex application cycles, large-scale events and detailed student data.
• Builds Strategic Partnerships: Develops professional relationships with elite universities, corporate partners, families and staff to create a seamless network of support.
• Communicates with Impact: Can present with clarity and confidence to large groups while maintaining the empathy and listening skills required for sensitive 1:1 guidance.
• Promotes Inclusive Success: Shares our unwavering belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to access the very best progression routes.

Benefits

• Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum organisation.
• We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
• Be part of a team that's ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
• Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.

About the Role

The position of Progression Lead arises as part of our development planning to ensure continuity of our excellent provision. We firmly believe that a student's progression journey, in addition to their academic achievements, is fundamental to securing their aspirational career goals. In support of this, we believe that it is essential to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and experiences they need in order to be successful in the workplace in the 21st Century. We are approaching our 11th year as an award-winning team and have recently been re-accredited with the Quality in Careers Standard Award (QiCS). Our comprehensive Progression offer is underpinned by the Careers Development Industry Framework and the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which we are working towards fully achieving.

Our most recent Quality in Careers Standard report highlighted: "Durham Sixth Form Centre has robust systems and processes in place to support its career programme, underpinned by strong strategic leadership and governance. Data analysis and insights are used effectively to ensure support for students is targeted and timely, including arranging for support with stakeholders and external agencies. Stakeholder engagement in the careers programme is strong, and parents and students speak very positively about the support they receive. The organisation of the Progression Team allows for specialist support for specific sector areas, and this knowledge and expertise is shared across the team."

Meet the Team

We are a dynamic, forward thinking and experienced team of experts who actively pursue innovative practices and opportunities through collaborative and partnership work with DWP, HMRC and local SMEs. In collaboration with the North East Combined Authority, and as part of our College and Cornerstone Hubs, we continue to develop our network of over 100 businesses, apprenticeship providers, universities and other organisations, to ensure that all of our students have access to opportunities to make competitive applications. Our student-centred approach to careers education integrates the specialist knowledge of our Pastoral team, our Student Support team and our curriculum colleagues. We also work closely with our students offering impartial information, advice and guidance to ensure that they are fully informed of their progression pathways and have a good understanding of relevant labour market intelligence and opportunities. We support students in carrying out relevant work-related learning to develop essential employability skills.

Closing

Thank you for your interest in the role of Progression Lead: Higher Education at Durham Sixth Form Centre. This is a pivotal position within our award-winning Progression Team, where we ensure that every student is empowered to navigate their journey toward an ambitious and fulfilling future. At Durham Sixth Form Centre, our students are motivated, curious, and highly ambitious. As the largest post-16 school in the North East, we support approximately 1,800 students in transitioning to some of the most competitive destinations in the UK and beyond. We are looking for an exceptional professional to lead on these critical pathways, ensuring our students are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and edge required to succeed in a global landscape.