Head of Careers

The West London Free School aims to provide all pupils, no matter what their background, with a classical liberal education. We have a distinctive school culture built on a passion for bringing rich, demanding and inspiring knowledge to pupils of all abilities. We treasure the subject knowledge of staff, we value their passion for continuing to grow as subject-specialists and we support their subject-specific development. There is a firm and fair approach to behaviour, systematically supported by senior staff: all pupil detentions are centralised and run by senior staff every day.  Teachers are therefore able to prioritise the planning and teaching of subject knowledge.  School leaders all teach, love their subjects, understand workload pressures and are highly visible around school. 

Our core belief is that every child is entitled to a classical liberal education, no matter what their background or ability. We place a heavy emphasis on the acquisition of core knowledge through the study of traditional subjects. 

The successful candidate will lead the school’s career strategy, working closely with the Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head of Sixth Form (Academic) and the Careers Lead (Years 7-11). A high degree of attention to detail, time management and professional flexibility will be required.

Key characteristics of the role include: 

• Leading on the delivery of the ‘World of Work Programme’ funded by the Knowledge Schools Foundation Trust; 

• Overseeing the school’s career strategy, including monitoring the school’s compliance with the Gatsby benchmarks;

• Line managing the Careers Lead (Years 7-11), ensuring delivery of careers provision for Years 7 – 11;

• Leading on Higher Education Week at the Sixth Form;

• Keeping up to date with key developments in Careers Education;

• Providing advice and support to students on GCSE and A-Level results day;

• Monitoring HE destinations together with the Sixth Form Team; 

• Monitoring potential NEET students and provide guidance on local opportunities;

• Assisting the Sixth Form Registrar and Academic Enrichment Co-ordinator with the guest speaker programme, arranging careers and university speakers; 

• Liaising with external agencies and partners in the delivery of careers education;

• Engaging with parents and alumni to build a network of support for careers and higher education; 

• Representing the Careers Department at Sixth Form open evenings;

• Keeping students and parents informed about higher education and career opportunities;

• Managing the Sixth Form careers budget;

• Ensuring the Careers Library is kept fully stocked and up-to-date. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to be pro-active and flexible;

• The ability to interact with 11-18 year old students in support of their career development;

• Excellent team working skills;

• Effective and efficient communication skills with both pupils and staff;

• An understanding and commitment to the ethos of the school.

Skills:

• Strong IT literacy skills are essential: data management and document creation (Microsoft Work, PowerPoint and Excel);

• Knowledge of IMS such as SIMS, Go4Schools, START Profile are desirable, but not essential, although the successful candidate must be willing to be trained if necessary;

• It is desirable that the successful candidate would be working towards or the holder of the Qualification in Career Development or Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG).

The West London Free School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Application deadline: 12.00pm on Monday 28th January 2019. Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date. 

If you wish to apply, please complete and return the attached application form with a covering letter to Sarah Noel at s.noel@wlfs.org.