Head of Careers

Head of Careers

Part-Time 28487 - 28487 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Independent Schools Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead an inspiring careers programme that empowers students to explore their future.
  • Company: A forward-thinking school committed to student success and innovation.
  • Benefits: Part-time role with a competitive salary, free lunches, and flexible hours.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative community focused on preparing students for life beyond school.
  • Why this job: Shape young minds and make a real difference in their career journeys.
  • Qualifications: Experience in career guidance and a passion for student development.

The predicted salary is between 28487 - 28487 £ per year.

Reporting to the Head of Sixth Form, the Head of Careers will play a pivotal and highly visible role in championing the school’s Teach to 25 Philosophy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a forward-thinking, ambitious careers programme that inspires pupils to explore possibilities, raise aspirations and make confident, informed decisions about their futures.

The successful candidate will design and deliver a dynamic, inclusive and future-focused careers provision, fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks. They will empower pupils at every stage of their journey to understand the breadth of opportunities available to them and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Working collaboratively across the school community and beyond, the Head of Careers will build meaningful partnerships with staff, parents, alumni and external organisations, ensuring that pupils benefit from rich, real-world experiences and exposure to diverse pathways. This role offers the chance to drive innovation, influence whole-school practice and play a key part in preparing young people for life beyond school.

The start date for this position will be 1 September 2026. It is a part time, term time only position, for four days a week. Typical hours will be 08.30 - 16.30 with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break (free staff lunch is provided). Some flexibility will be required when hosting/attending evening events with time offered in lieu rather than paid overtime.

The salary will be £45,000 FTE. Actual salary will be £28,487.53.

Closing deadline: 9am Monday 8 June 2026. We reserve the right to interview stronger candidates prior to the closing date. Interview dates to be confirmed.

This position involves contact with children and will amount to regulated activity as defined by Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE) for safeguarding children and safer recruitment.

Head of Careers employer: The Independent Schools Council

As an employer, the school is dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. The Head of Careers role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on students' futures while collaborating with a passionate team committed to excellence in education. With a focus on inclusivity and real-world experiences, employees can expect a fulfilling career path that aligns with their values and aspirations.

The Independent Schools Council

Contact Details:

The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Careers

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Head of Careers role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the school’s Teach to 25 Philosophy and think about how you can contribute to it. Be ready to share your vision for a dynamic careers programme that aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your collaborative spirit! Highlight your experience in building partnerships with staff, parents, and external organisations. This is key for the Head of Careers role, so make sure to have examples ready to discuss.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Careers

Career Development
Programme Design
Gatsby Benchmarks
Collaboration
Partnership Building
Communication Skills
Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about shaping careers and inspiring pupils. Share personal experiences or insights that connect with our Teach to 25 Philosophy.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Careers position. Highlight your experience with the Gatsby Benchmarks and how you've successfully empowered students in the past. We love seeing how you align with our vision!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your achievements and skills, making it easier for us to see why you're a great fit.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council

Know the Teach to 25 Philosophy

Make sure you understand the school's Teach to 25 Philosophy inside out. Be ready to discuss how you can champion this approach and inspire pupils to explore their futures. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that align with this philosophy.

Familiarise Yourself with Gatsby Benchmarks

Since the role involves aligning with the Gatsby Benchmarks, do your homework on what these are and how they apply to careers education. Prepare to share ideas on how you would implement these benchmarks in a dynamic and inclusive careers programme.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

This position requires working closely with staff, parents, and external organisations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in building partnerships and how you can foster collaboration within the school community to enhance the careers provision.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

Think about how you can provide pupils with real-world experiences and diverse pathways. Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged students with practical opportunities and how you plan to do this in your new role.