Head of Careers in Scarborough

Scarborough College is an independent day and boarding school for children and young people aged 3–18, offering a vibrant community with a wide range of daily activities. The College combines strong academic ambition with extensive sporting, cultural, and social opportunities that broaden horizons and build confidence. Its ethos is rooted in traditional values, complemented by a progressive approach that includes the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. The beautiful campus overlooks the North Yorkshire coast and the town of Scarborough, attracting pupils from across the UK and around the world. Applicants will join a dynamic, inclusive environment focused on holistic development and global outlook.

We are looking for a dynamic, proactive and personable Head of Careers who will inspire our students. The Head of Careers has overall responsibility for creating, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the Careers and Higher Education programme throughout Scarborough College. Ensuring that support and guidance is given to all students so they can achieve their best outcomes. You will work closely with the Deputy Head of Sixth Form & IB, Deputy Head (Pastoral & DSL), Heads of Sixth Form, Heads of Tier to oversee Careers Guidance provision within Scarborough College. You should be passionate about sourcing, supporting and developing Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to ensure that students achieve the best they can in the future.

Professional Duties

• To produce a coherent programme of careers provision for Key Stages 2-5.
• To contribute to the Key Stage 3 PSHE timetable to include the development of skills and qualities awareness, subject choices, use of labour market information, digital awareness and familiarisation with careers software and resources, as well as an understanding of all post 16 pathways available through encounters with alternative providers.
• Contribute to the Key Stage 4 pastoral programme by delivering career tutorials, developing career management skills, actively promoting the use of careers advice resources, enhancing career exploration, use of LMI and encouragement of engagement with providers of education and employment opportunities e.g. technical courses and apprenticeships.
• To contribute to the Sixth Form timetable by delivering sessions in career planning, completing applications, support with Personal Statements, writing CV’s and letters of application, interview preparation, job hunting, alternative pathways, overseas study opportunities etc.
• To organise ‘off timetable’ enrichment events and activities re careers guidance and alternative pathways, including organising an Annual Careers/Universities Fair, hosting a Careers Club, arranging and promoting attendance at MMI’s, apprenticeship fairs, career and overseas study roadshows.
• To arrange/ co-ordinate guest speakers throughout the Senior School to inspire and motivate our students throughout the whole school.
• To grow a network of external contacts to participate in careers evenings, career activity days, internships, practice interviews/MMI’s including HE and FE providers, businesses, career sectors, voluntary organisations.
• To keep up to date with national, international and local development in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to foster and adhere to best practice, including attendance at local practitioners meetings, online forums, membership of national organisations etc.
• To liaise with external agencies that support CEIAG in education e.g. NYBEP, Enterprise Adviser, CEC, LEP etc.
• To arrange and conduct 1:1 careers guidance interviews across all key stages, particularly re post 16 and post 18 choices.
• Draw up and agree careers action plans with students individually and ensure that individual’s targets are met, including assisting them with application completion, sample testing and planning.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support students to adjust their plans and/or expectations, raise their aspirations, encourage students lacking focus and give additional support to vulnerable students and those with special needs.
• Participate in appropriate Parents’ Evenings and Information events.
• Arrange and monitor the provision of impartial and independent careers guidance to students.
• To be responsible for/oversee the provision of work experience.
• To be responsible for or work collaboratively in the development of enterprise skills within Scarborough College and the engagement of students and staff in enterprise activities.
• To have responsibility for ongoing use and engagement with UNIFROG for both students and staff.
• To be present at College on GCSE and IB results days.
• To meet with students and/or parents to follow up and deal with any concerns or problems arising from results.
• To assist students with UCAS clearing and other pathways.

Management of the Careers Department

• To create, review and update a Careers Policy Document setting out the vision, aims and objectives for Scarborough College.
• To produce an annual Careers Department Development Plan for discussion and review with SMT.
• To prepare a termly report for Governors.
• To evidence all CEIAG provision at Scarborough College for ISI inspection.
• To manage the Careers Department budget.
• Lead/oversee whole College projects and cross curricular work relating to careers development.
• To work collaboratively with SMT, Heads of Tier, Head of PSHE to ensure that student needs are met and targets achieved, work experience is provided and enterprise skills are developed.
• To develop and maintain the relevant sections regarding CEIAG and the Careers Department on the Scarborough College website.
• To organise the Careers Library and on-resources and software ensuring that they are accessible, up to date, containing appropriate materials, publications and links.
• To compile destination data in respect of Year 11 and 13.
• To publicise and promote the Careers Department and its services at Scarborough College to all students, parents, staff and Governors, providing updates, good news, top tips, keep the date alerts and destination data.

Hours of Work

This is a permanent, part time or full time depending on the candidate, with a minimum of 37.5 hours per week working term time only plus 4 weeks. Additional hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required as necessary for the proper performance of duties in an independent boarding school. Staff are expected to contribute to the co-curricular and boarding activities programme, including occasional evening and weekend duties.