At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Futures Programme, guiding students towards prestigious university admissions and career opportunities.
- Company: Join the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, dedicated to empowering young women.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, professional development, and discounts on school fees for your children.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovative approaches to student success.
- Why this job: Inspire and empower students to shape their futures with confidence and ambition.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and a passion for guiding academically ambitious young people.
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: 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
Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge in Oxford employer: GDST
As a leading independent girls' school within the GDST network, we pride ourselves on fostering an empowering and innovative work culture that prioritises professional development and personal growth. Our commitment to competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a supportive environment ensures that our staff are not only well-equipped to inspire students but also thrive in their own careers. Join us in shaping the futures of ambitious young women in a vibrant community dedicated to excellence and creativity.
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 related to the role. Think about how your experiences align with the job description and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your skills and leadership style.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and appreciate the opportunity to interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you on the path to success!
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 Head of Futures role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and values outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in higher education and employability, showing us how you can lead our Futures Programme with flair.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a pivotal leader, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and empower students. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully guided young people in their academic and career journeys.
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 to shape bold ambitions in our students' futures!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the school and its Futures Programme. Understand their ethos and how they empower students. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you're aligned with their mission and values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how it has positively impacted students in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and guide young people through their academic and career journeys.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about real-world scenarios, such as how you would handle a student struggling with university applications. Think through your strategies in advance, focusing on your problem-solving skills and your ability to provide bespoke support.
✨Engage with Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for education and student empowerment shine through. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your commitment to helping students achieve their ambitions, especially in competitive pathways like Oxbridge and elite universities.
