At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Futures Programme, guiding students towards top universities and career opportunities.
- Company: Join Oxford High School, part of the prestigious GDST network.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and generous discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to student success.
- Why this job: Empower young women to shape their futures with confidence and ambition.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and a passion for guiding ambitious students.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Employer: Oxford High School - GDST
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, Term Time
Salary: GDST Competitive Salary Range
Posted: 22nd May 2026
Start Date: 1st January 2027
Expires: 10th June 2026 11:59 PM
The Role:
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:
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
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
Oxford High School, part of the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With competitive salaries, extensive professional development opportunities, and a commitment to empowering students, this role offers a unique chance to shape the futures of young women in a supportive environment located in the historic city of Oxford. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we inspire the next generation to reach their highest ambitions.
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 your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into higher education and employability. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn from others.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for empowering students! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for shaping bold ambitions in students. Use real examples of how you've made a difference in their futures.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to reflect how your leadership style aligns with their mission. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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 education and empowering students shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire young minds and make a real difference in their futures.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Futures role. Highlight any relevant leadership roles or innovative programmes you've been involved in, as we love seeing creativity!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the Futures Programme and how you plan to guide students towards their aspirations. Be authentic and let your personality shine!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Oxford High School and its Futures Programme. Understand their ethos, values, and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨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 or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster an enterprising mindset and create meaningful connections.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges in higher education admissions and career guidance, and be ready to discuss how you'd tackle them effectively.
✨Engage with Passion
Your enthusiasm for empowering students should shine through. Share your personal experiences and motivations for wanting to lead the Futures Programme. This will help convey your genuine commitment to shaping bold ambitions for students.
