At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the 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’s education.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and innovative approaches to education.
- Why this job: Inspire and shape the futures of ambitious students, making a real impact on their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, strong leadership skills, and a passion for student empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ 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 in Oxford employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
At the Girls' Day School Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the growth and development of our staff. Our vibrant work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing extensive professional development opportunities and competitive salaries, all while empowering you to make a meaningful impact on students' futures. Located in a supportive environment, we offer unique benefits such as generous pension schemes and discounts for children at GDST schools, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
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 in Oxford
✨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 more confident you'll come across when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak 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 in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Futures role. Highlight your relevant experience in higher education and employability, and show us how you can inspire students to reach their ambitions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. We’re looking for someone who can empower others, so share those stories with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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. Don’t miss out!
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 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. Familiarise yourself with current trends in higher education and be prepared to share innovative ideas on how to enhance the school's application strategy.
✨Engage with Real-World Connections
Talk about your experience in building networks with industry partners and alumni. Share how these connections can provide students with valuable insights and opportunities. This shows that you understand the importance of real-world experiences in education.
