Head of Careers and Higher Education from August 2026 in Glasgow

The Head of Careers and Higher Education works to ensure that The Glasgow Academy (TGA) students get expert and independent advice to enable them to make decisions about their future. The purpose of this role is to design, implement and evaluate the whole‑school Careers programme. They will be responsible and accountable for the delivery of the school’s programme of career education, information, advice and guidance, and to make sure that TGA meets our responsibilities with Education Scotland. The Head of Careers reports to the Deputy Head (Head of Upper School) and is expected to operate effectively in two broad areas, enabling them to contribute to and support the shared strategic vision for the school.

Leadership and Management

• Ensure the Careers office is a welcoming and accessible place for all students and holds accurate and up‑to‑date information.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of a careers and guidance programme for students of all ages which ensures they are inspirational, informed, open-minded and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead of them.
• Coordinate and oversee all Careers Department events, e.g. Careers Days, lectures, seminars and UCAS talks.
• Understand the implications of a changing education landscape for career guidance, leading a team of teachers, administrators, external partners and others who deliver career guidance.
• Report to and advise the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on policy, strategy and resources for career guidance, showing how they meet the Benchmarks.
• Review and evaluate career guidance and provide information for school development planning, inspection.
• Ensure compliance with the legal requirements to provide independent career guidance and give access to providers of technical education or apprenticeships to students in schools, including the publication of the policy statement of provider access on their website.
• Liaise with SLT communications and publicity for subject choices, Higher Education and employment.
• Work closely with the Head of PSE to ensure that the Careers and PSE programmes complement each other.
• Support UCAS applications, including leading on all early and overseas applicants.
• Deliver internal and promote external CPD opportunities for staff to develop/maintain their knowledge of Higher Education, employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

Careers Advice & Guidance

• Coordinate an efficient system of impartial and appropriate 1:1 or small group careers advice and guidance and draw up action plans for students, prioritising the following stages:

• S2 to discuss subject choices for National 5 qualifications.
• S3 and S4 to discuss developing careers plans and enable students to make informed post‑16 decisions through PSE and Tutor time.
• S5 to discuss post‑school options (including university/apprenticeships) based on evolving career plans.
• S6 for individual support such as mock interviews or an opportunity to discuss changes to post‑18 plans.

Person Specification

• Hold a good honours degree in any subject.
• Hold, or be working towards the L6 award in Careers Leadership (or similar).
• Have experience of designing and delivering a careers programme and guidance to students aged 11‑18.
• Have experience of providing advice and guidance to young people.
• Have experience of leading training or teaching groups of young people.
• Have knowledge of and understand the government’s statutory guidance for schools and colleges on providing careers guidance.
• Understand the importance of pastoral care, along with safeguarding and child protection issues.

The successful candidate should:

• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to solve problems and make decisions, collaborating as necessary.
• Have a high level of written and spoken English.
• Have strong IT skills, alongside strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Have the ability to create and maintain strong, supportive and collaborative relationships with staff, parents/guardians and students.
• Be able to plan their time effectively.
• Have a clear commitment to the school's strategic vision and its ethos.
• Have a clear commitment to our students and their learning, wellbeing and safety, maintaining high expectations of our students at all times.
• Demonstrate a willingness to be fully involved in school life, collaborating with all the stakeholders.
• Have the ability to write reports, keep accurate records, communicate effectively, deliver messages with sensitivity whilst recognising the need to sometimes deliver a less welcome message.
• Be aspirational and empathetic, with a genuine belief in the potential of every student.
• Be resilient, determined and while knowing when to be pragmatic.
• Be flexible and resourceful.
• Demonstrate innovation and creative thinking, alongside a commitment to continuing professional development.

The Appointment

Applications are welcome from both teachers or suitably qualified non‑teaching professionals. If you are a teacher you will be required to hold and maintain GTCS registration and there may be opportunities for teaching alongside this role. The appointment is for August 2026 and is a part‑time (0.6‑0.8 FTE) permanent position. Competitive salary based on experience. The Glasgow Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all appointments are subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. The Glasgow Academy is committed to providing equality of opportunity and ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief, marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.