Director of Futures (Careers)

THE SCHOOL

St Helen’s is an academically selective independent girls’ day school of more than 1200 students aged 3-18, set in beautiful green space in Northwood, Middlesex. 

THE POST

St Helen’s is looking to appoint a Full Time Director of Futures (Careers) to start either September 2023 or January 2024. The role will report directly to the Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form and Pupil Progress. This role is suitable for either teaching or non-teaching members of staff. 

JOB PURPOSE

At the heart of our aims as a School is that we equip pupils to play a full and active role in adult life and, to this end, the Futures programme will provide an exceptional preparation for Higher Education and professional life. This is a coherent and ambitious programme, with preparation for life at its heart, which will enable all pupils to develop a mature and informed understanding of their own potential together with a variety of routes via which this can be fulfilled. It will encourage girls to be ambitious and to aim high. As well as Careers Education and Guidance, the programme will include the Higher Education Application process, professional and life skills development, and networking and mentoring so that our pupils receive the best possible preparation for life beyond school which enables them to stand out from the crowd in interviews and at work. 

The Futures Programme will be delivered through tutor time, assemblies, PSHCE and programmes of talks, events, conferences, and presentations for girls as they progress through the Senior School, with more in-depth activities and curriculum enrichment planned at key points throughout the academic year for each year group and Section of the school as appropriate. The Director of the Futures Programme will work closely with the Assistant Head: Sixth Form, Assistant Head: Pastoral, Director of Sixth Form, the Heads of Year, the Scholars Programme for students with the highest intellectual potential (HIP) and the Marketing team; they will lead the Higher Education reference writing team (comprising subject teachers and form tutors) as well as being responsible for the strategic development and operational delivery of Careers Education throughout the school from years 7-13, liaising with staff in Prep to ensure a smooth transition into Senior School.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: please refer to our applicant information pack for full details of responsibilities.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

·        Strong academic qualifications in a relevant degree subject

·        Educated to A Level (minimum achieved Grade C)

·        Leading students through the Higher Education application process.

·        Organising and running events and/or trips.

·        Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with a range of adults and pupils.

·        Capacity to motivate, inspire and challenge young people.

·        Excellent listening, coaching and guidance skills

·        Be familiar with curriculum developments and relevant statutory requirements for careers education and guidance.

·        Be familiar with requirements for work-related learning.

·        Have an understanding of current educational issues including national policies, priorities and legislation.

·        Knowledge of the Higher Education application process, including art foundation, conservatoires, degree apprenticeship applications and current developments.

·        Knowledge of competitive university courses such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge.

·        Experience of managing a team

·        Be familiar with the components of outstanding teaching/ learning and careers guidance.

·        Understanding of how to personalize provision to meet the learning needs of the full range of students.

·        An awareness of current legal requirements regarding safeguarding

·        Excellent literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.

·        Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work on own initiative.

·        Innovative and enthusiastic about the role of CEIAG and its role in the development of students across the whole school

·        Collaborative and able to work effectively with staff across the school.

·        High professional standards.

·        Ability to communicate with a range of adults and pupils. Ability to motivate students. Ability to self-review effectively and set appropriate targets. willingness to engage in self-development activities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am Friday 30th June 2023

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the high volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where they will be interviewed by members of the Senior Leadership team, be observed teaching a lesson (if a Teacher), complete a skills test and have a tour of the school.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2022 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact the school at recruitment@sthelens.london