Head of Futures

Northwood College for Girls seeks a talented, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic staff member to lead our Futures Programme.

At Northwood College, we believe personal attributes and emotional intelligence are absolutely essential. Academic achievement is a given, but we equip our students with an emotional quotient that will gain them interviews, a networking relationship or a place in the boardroom. This extends into our alumnae network, and we work closely with our alumnae to support them in the transition between Sixth Form life and the world of work. The work of this role also extends across the school, from our Nursery provision, through the Junior School and into the Senior section. We know that our students enter a world of opportunity and we are determined that they will be able to make an impact, as leaders of their own kind, in whatever field they choose.

The successful candidate will be able to impart their knowledge and understanding of the employment sector, drive our university, apprenticeship and gap year provision and equip students with the skills essential for today’s rapidly developing workforce. There is also the opportunity to teach curriculum and enrichment lessons throughout the school.

The successful candidate will become fully trained and up to date with the latest changes to UCAS personal statement and reference requirements. They must also be prepared to teach throughout the age range, including KS3, GCSE and A Level. We have no preference over subject specialism. The successful applicant would also be responsible for the education and introduction to a variety of Careers across the Junior and Senior schools. Commitment to wider school life is expected.

The Department:

This is an exciting time to join as a leader of our Futures provision. We have a newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre at the heart of our school, with aspirational study spaces and facilities, offering a cutting-edge teaching and learning environment. Our Sixth Form is a key focal point of our school, and our goal is to help girls refine and magnify their emotional intelligence—so that no matter what they decide to pursue as a career, they can ask questions, develop creative solutions, think critically, draw conclusions and be intellectually curious members of society. The successful applicant will be a core member of the Sixth Form team.

This position would also develop the Careers provision across the Junior and Senior schools. All students from Year 7 to Year 10 have a dedicated Careers Week, including a full day off timetable to help develop their knowledge of career pathways. We have a dedicated ‘Next Steps Week’ in Year 12, as well as a Spring Term series of weekly speakers in our Horizons Programme.

We have a large proportion of our students who apply to university through UCAS in Year 13. Many of our students go on to Russell Group universities, with the majority of them attending their firm or insurance choice. In recent years we have had an increasing number of students who are applying to universities abroad (including the USA and Europe), taking gap years and applying for degree apprenticeships. We recognise that each student will be taking opportunities that are unique to their circumstances and beneficial to their personal development, and we provide thorough support throughout their journey.

Our careers provision continues to grow, and we are currently developing our whole school Careers Week, our Networking Breakfasts and our cross-school Careers Series within the GDST.

Professional development and life-long learning are essential to our school, and we ensure variety, motivation and CPD opportunities. We value collaboration and work well as a team to provide the very best careers provision for our students.

About the School:

Northwood College for Girls is an independent, academically selective day school for approximately 880 girls aged 3-18. At NWC, we value character and academic rigour equally. Our curriculum ignites intellectual curiosity and fosters emotional intelligence, building resilience through challenge. An NWC education enables every girl to lead a purposeful life and feel successful in their learning.

Both pupils and staff are encouraged to find and develop their passions and talents, through clubs, societies and an extensive programme of CPD. All members of the NWC community are expected to act with compassion and integrity, with respect for others and the environment and an awareness of global responsibility.

Everyone is equally valued in our NWC family and our dynamic young women are proud of their school. Looking after one another and rejoicing in one another’s successes comes second nature to a NWC girl as does her ‘can-do’ attitude and drive.

NWC is at an exhilarating moment in its evolution, with a dynamic and ambitious Senior Leadership Team and a range of new developments (including a Sixth Form Centre and the Alvarium science building). The successful candidate will be similarly ambitious for the school and ready to make an impact in our vibrant learning community.

Benefits:

As part of the GDST, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

1. Competitive salaries and pay progression
2. Access to extensive professional development opportunities
3. Good transport links
4. Training grants for qualifications
5. Generous pension schemes
6. Free life assurance benefit
7. A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
8. Childcare vouchers, interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
9. A Cycle to Work scheme
10. Competitive terms and conditions of employment
11. Access to the school gym and swimming pool
12. Free school lunches
13. Retail and lifestyle discounts via Pluxee
14. Financial guidance and support

For further details and an application form please click apply.

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented ethnicities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single aspect of a job description and person specification. At NWC we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so we encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification or experience in the information provided.

Applications must be received by 9am on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Interviews will take place the following week.

We reserve the right to appoint prior to this deadline, so early applications are encouraged.

Interviews will take place shortly after receipt of applications.

References for shortlisted candidates will be taken up before interview.

Northwood College for Girls and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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