At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an innovative Futures Programme, guiding students towards elite university admissions and career success.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to empowering young women.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ambitious students and help them secure their dream university placements.
- Qualifications: Experience in academic guidance and a passion for empowering young people.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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
- 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
The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Head of Futures: Shape Elite University Pathways employer: Oxford High School GDST
Join a forward-thinking educational institution that prioritises the empowerment of students through innovative programmes and strategic leadership. As the Head of Futures, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values professional development, competitive salaries, and unique perks such as fee discounts for children and access to training grants. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' futures while working in a collaborative environment dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Futures: Shape Elite University Pathways
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and student empowerment during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've inspired others or led initiatives that align with the role.
✨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, and we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Futures: Shape Elite University Pathways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for empowering students shine through in your application. We want to see how you connect with the role and why you're excited about shaping elite university pathways.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in careers leadership and any innovative programmes you've led that align with our vision.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and built relationships, and don’t forget to mention your unique approach to guiding young people.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School GDST
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how your leadership style has positively influenced students in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've empowered young people to achieve their goals, especially in relation to university admissions.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for the Futures Programme. Think about innovative strategies you could implement to enhance the careers curriculum and how you would engage students from Year 7 onwards. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
✨Connect with the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to explain how your experience aligns with these responsibilities, particularly in areas like bespoke support for UCAS and fostering an enterprising mindset.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready that show your interest in the school's mission and values. Ask about their current initiatives in career guidance or how they measure success in student outcomes, which will reflect your commitment to the role.
