We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Careers Advisor to join our team at Smith's Wood Academy. Smith’s Wood Academy is a large academy with just over 900 students from Year 7 to Year 11. Located in the north of Solihull, the academy serves students who live in the immediate locality.
This is a full-time position working term time plus two weeks. We are committed to supporting flexible working and would be happy to discuss alternative / part time working arrangements with suitable candidates.
The role also has a Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £5000 for the right candidate.
Our recent Ofsted inspection shows we have improved in all areas. Leadership, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing were all graded ‘expected standard’ and we are committed to building on this success. The Ofsted visit in January 2026 found that Smith's Wood Academy is the most improved school in England- after a dramatic and fast paced turnaround.
Key points from the report included that
"Staff know that their wellbeing and professional development matters deeply to leaders: They value the training that they receive and the opportunities that they have to pursue leaderships qualifications. Leaders have ensured that staff and pupils benefit from a happy and collaborative place to learn and work."
The report noted that " The school's careers education is highly effective. Pupils are supported to prepare well for future education, employment or training. Pupils experience relevant encounters with local employers and high education providers. These increase pupils' awareness and aspirations for what they can aim to do in the future. Tailored advice enables pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, to understand the steps they need to take to achieve their ambitions"
As careers Advisor you will play a critical role in providing guidance, support, and resources to students within the Academy to help them make informed decisions about their future career paths, further education, and training opportunities. The position is designed to facilitate successful transitions from education to the world of work and higher education.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
Conduct professional and impartial 1:1 careers guidance discussions with students (and parents where appropriate) which challenge and support them to make informed decisions about their next steps and future career
Manage the bookings for careers guidance appointments, produce careers action plans, and share and log these
Develop and use expert knowledge of career and labour market information and intelligence to enable students to identify, access, interpret and utilise valid and current information that is relevant
Assist in planning and delivering of encounters with employees and education/training providers
Support students with applications for college, sixth form, apprenticeship and other destinations
Work collaboratively the Senior Leaders and curriculum teams and pastoral staff to deliver the Whole Academy Careers Curriculum
Assist in planning and delivering academy events and activities including Careers Fairs, Insight Days, Mock Interviews
Networking
Support the growth of a network of alumni of former students to inspire and inform current learners through their experience and career journeys.
Establish and develop links with local businesses, further education colleges, apprenticeship providers, university technical colleges and universities
Our vision is that every child within the Trust, regardless of their background, will attend an Academy that offers an outstanding quality of education which means to us:
- Every child is recognised as an individual and has access to first-class pastoral care because we want them to be happy
- Every child benefits from a wide range of enriching opportunities because we place great emphasis on their personal development
- Every child benefits from dedicated leaders, teachers and staff who a relentless in their ambition to improve the quality of teaching in our academies because we know excellent teaching is key to transforming the futures of our students
Applicants will join a well-led and motivated team committed to continuous improvement.
In return we will offer you:
- Bespoke Continual Professional Development (in the academy and online via the National College)
- Discounts at nationwide retailers
- Employee assistance programme
- Up to 4 structured counselling sessions per year
- A MAT wide focus on staff well-being
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as well as providing evidence of qualifications.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of[1]offenders-act-1974
- Perkbox discount platform
- Cycle to Work
- Green Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Perkbox Wellness hub
Qualifications
5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 4-9) or essential
NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Careers Advice and Guidance or Careers Information or a related subject desirable
Educated to Level 4 in Careers Advice and Guidance or Careers Information or a related subject desirable
Degree in a relevant subject desirable
Skills
Abilities, Skills and Knowledge
Awareness of child protection/safeguarding with up to date training (or willingness to undertake training) essential
Experience
Experience of working in an educational environment
Experience/Knowledge
Knowledge of school standards and procedures or willingness to train
Leadership
Adaptable - ability to adapt style to a variery of situations and people essential
Personal Attributes
Ability to work effectively within a team environment essential
Ability to work effectively within a team environment essential
Promotes a culture of Safeguarding essential
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, parents and students essential
Commitment to Trust aim and values essential
Committed to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) essential
Smith's Wood Academy
Harj Sekhon
h.sekhon@smithswood.fmat.co.uk
Smith's Wood Academy
Windward Way
Smith's Wood
Birmingham
B36 0UE
Fairfax Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
Following the update of KCSIE 2023 Fairfax Multi Academy Trust will now carry out online checks of all appointments.
Fairfax Multi Academy Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Key Role Information
£30868 - £31912 actual salary ( based on Term Time plus 2 weeks) + Recruitment and Retention Allowance of up to £5000
Careers Advisor in Birmingham employer: Smith's Wood Academy
Smiths Wood Academy is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inspiring work environment for its staff. Located in Birmingham, the academy offers a collaborative culture where you can make a meaningful impact on students' futures while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a strong community focus. Join us to be part of a team that values ambition, inclusivity, and the growth of both students and staff alike.
