Head of Futures Education and Pathways in Abingdon

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Head of Futures Education and Pathways to play a central role in shaping how our students understand themselves, engage with opportunity and prepare for life beyond school. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful, student‐centred professional to lead Futures education from Year 5 to Upper Sixth, developing a coherent, ambitious and progressive programme that equips students with the confidence, insight and skills to navigate a fast‑changing world.

Working pattern: Four days per week, plus two weeks during the School holidays, with attendance at selected evening events and other key school events as required.

The postholder will lead careers education, personalised guidance, apprenticeships and alternative pathways, employer and alumnae engagement in relation to the Futures department, and major Futures events. Working closely with the Assistant Head, Futures and Partnerships and the Higher Education, Careers and Partnerships Administrator, they will contribute to a well‑sequenced, whole‑school Futures journey that supports every student to make informed, aspirational decisions about their next steps.

• Futures leadership and strategy: Lead the development of a coherent, progressive Futures education programme from Year 5 to Upper Sixth. Contribute to the strategic direction of Futures education alongside the Assistant Head, Futures and Partnerships. Ensure provision reflects best practice, student need and national expectations, including CEIAG guidance and the Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Careers education and learning: Design and deliver engaging careers education across Years 5–U6 and contribute to pathway education more widely. Develop learning that builds career awareness, employability skills, decision‑making and understanding of labour market trends.
• Personal guidance and student support: Provide high‑quality, impartial 1:1 careers and pathways guidance. Support students in exploring routes aligned with their strengths, interests and aspirations. Maintain accurate, professional and confidential records of guidance conversations and follow‑up actions and identify students requiring targeted support.
• Employer, alumnae and external engagement: Build and sustain strong relationships with employers, alumnae and external partners. Curate programmes of talks, mentoring, panels and collaborative encounters that broaden students' understanding of possible futures.
• Apprenticeships and alternative pathways: Lead provision for apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, gap years and other non‑university routes. Ensure students and families understand application processes, timelines and expectations across pathways.
• Wider contribution: Work collaboratively with staff across the School to embed Futures education.

• Competitive salaries with scope for pay progression
• Generous holiday entitlement
• 20% reduction in working hours during school holidays with no impact on pay
• Fee remission of up to 50% on tuition fees (pro‑rated for part‑time staff)
• Staff Pension Scheme with employer contribution of up to 10% (the School double matches employee contributions). Salary sacrifice for pension contributions is also available.
• Life assurance paying out three times annual salary in the event of death in service
• Diverse training and professional development programme
• A range of other staff benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, access to GP and dental advice lines amongst other services
• Free use of the Sports Centre facilities including a fitness suite, ergo suite and group cycle studio
• Free school lunch, plus refreshments available in the staff room during the day and after school
• On‑site parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye tests and annual flu vaccination
• Access to well‑stocked school library
• Access to wide range of school events

Interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026. St Helen and St Katharine 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 checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas Police checks, if applicable. Employment is subject to these checks.