At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an innovative Futures Programme, guiding students from Year 7 to prestigious university admissions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to empowering young women.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful connections.
- Why this job: Shape the futures of ambitious students and help them create their own paths.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, strong leadership skills, and a passion for student empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
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.
Key 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
- 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
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Safeguarding Statement
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
The Girls' Day School Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises the empowerment and development of both students and staff. With competitive salaries, extensive professional development opportunities, and a commitment to innovative education, this role as Head of Futures provides a unique chance to shape the futures of ambitious young women in a supportive environment. Located in a dynamic educational setting, employees benefit from generous pension schemes, training grants, and a strong community ethos that fosters personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) 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! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or industry professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios. Role-play with a friend or use mock interview tools. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for empowering students shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire and lead, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to education and student success.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Futures role. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of higher education and employability, so align your skills and experiences with what we’re after.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique perspective on education and how you plan to make a difference in our students' lives. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨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 demonstrate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in guiding students through their academic and career journeys. Use specific anecdotes that illustrate your ability to inspire and empower young people.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, such as supporting a student struggling with Oxbridge applications or designing an engaging careers curriculum. Think through these scenarios in advance and have clear strategies ready.
✨Engage with Passion
Let your enthusiasm for education and student empowerment shine through. Share your vision for the Futures Programme and how you plan to make a difference. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
