At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide students in making informed career choices and support their educational journeys.
- Company: Join Maiden Erlegh Trust, a community-focused organisation dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and wellness resources.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them navigate their future paths.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 6 careers qualification and experience supporting diverse student needs.
The predicted salary is between 36362 - 39862 £ per year.
Location: Maiden Erlegh School Silverdale Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7HS
Contract: Permanent
Term: Full‑Time (Term Time Only)
Salary: £36,362.00 – £39,862.00 Anno (FTE); Grade 7 (SCP 25‑29) actual salary – £30,931.12 TTO plus INSET
Hours per week: 37
Weeks per year: Term Time Only
Closing Date: Midnight, Mon 15th Jun 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Positions Available: 2
About This Role
Maiden Erlegh Trust is seeking an experienced and adaptable Careers Adviser to deliver high‑quality, impartial careers education, information, advice, and guidance to students across our Trust schools. The role supports students in exploring Key Stage 4, Post‑16 and Post‑18 pathways and assisting them to make informed decisions about future education, training, and employment opportunities. The postholder works with careers leads, Heads of Year, SENCOs, support staff, parents/carers and external agencies to deliver personalised careers guidance, prioritise support for vulnerable students and contributes to Gatsby Benchmark compliance, destination planning, tracking, work‑experience provision and careers education initiatives across the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver one‑to‑one careers interviews for students in Key Stages 4 and 5 and provide personalised action plans.
- Prioritise guidance for vulnerable students, including pupils eligible for pupil premium, young carers, looked‑after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans.
- Maintain Gatsby Benchmark compliance across the Trust.
- Support students to secure ambitious Post‑16 and Post‑18 destinations and contribute to the NEET prevention strategy, including destination tracking for Years 11, 12 and 13.
- Promote equality of opportunity by supporting ambitious destinations and challenging stereotypes.
- Deliver assemblies, presentations and guidance sessions on work‑readiness, destination pathways and personal development.
- Support students at key transition points through individual, small‑group and larger‑group activities.
- Provide careers information and guidance to parents and carers at key points throughout the year.
- Signpost careers information, pathway options, labour market data, skills gaps, STEAM opportunities and relevant support organisations.
- Support the Trust’s careers education strategy, including fairs, resources and the careers support platform.
- Contribute to staff training in careers guidance to help colleagues deliver provision.
- Support the Trust’s Key Stage 4 work experience placement programme and advise on examination days.
About You
You will be an experienced careers professional with strong business‑partnering capability, confident in a dynamic environment focused on delivering the best outcomes for young people.
What You Will Bring
- Level 6 or higher careers qualification (e.g., QCD, Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development or equivalent).
- Subscription to the CDI Code of Ethics and a valid DBS check.
- Experience supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Experience working collaboratively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
- Excellent interpersonal, team‑working, written and verbal presentation skills.
- Understanding of working with children and young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
- Strong negotiation, problem‑solving, analytical and reflective skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Flexibility, initiative and the capacity to adapt to changing needs.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Comfortable with regular inter‑school travel and committed to professional development.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme – generous employer contributions, auto‑enrolment into Teachers or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave – generous holiday entitlement that increases with length of service.
- ME Day – one additional day’s leave per year for a personal event.
- Professional Development – comprehensive programme via the Maiden Erlegh Institute, CPD opportunities, and annual staff conference.
- Hybrid Working – flexible arrangements for eligible roles.
- Perkbox – access to discounts, wellness resources and 25 points per month.
- Wellbeing and Health – free flu vaccinations and eye tests for eligible staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme – support and resources.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community – regular celebration of staff achievements.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
About The Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a community of 11 schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. The Trust values inclusion, collaboration, high quality education, and continuous improvement.
Safeguarding and Pre‑employment Checks
All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check with Children’s Barred List and other relevant pre‑employment checks.
Trust Careers Adviser at Maiden Erlegh Trust in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering a comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contributions, extensive professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that celebrates achievements. Located in the vibrant community of Earley, Reading, the Trust fosters an inclusive environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students across multiple schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust Careers Adviser at Maiden Erlegh Trust in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Maiden Erlegh Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the culture. Tailor our answers to reflect how we align with their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. This will help us get comfortable with common questions and refine our responses, making us more confident when it’s our turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Let’s express our gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate our enthusiasm for the role at Maiden Erlegh Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Trust Careers Adviser at Maiden Erlegh Trust in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Trust Careers Adviser role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to support students with diverse needs.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for careers guidance shine through! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' futures in your application. We want to see your commitment to helping young people succeed.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make your application easy to read. Remember, clarity is key when communicating your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches us quickly and securely, plus you'll find all the details you need about the role and the Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Understand the key responsibilities, especially around delivering one-to-one careers interviews and supporting vulnerable students. Familiarise yourself with the Gatsby Benchmarks and how they apply to the Trust's goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in careers guidance, particularly with students who have social, emotional, and mental health needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and how you've successfully supported students in their career pathways.
✨Engage with the Trust’s Values
Research Maiden Erlegh Trust’s values and be ready to discuss how you align with them. Highlight your commitment to safeguarding, equality, and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture of the Trust.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the Trust’s approach to career education initiatives or how they support professional development for staff. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
