Head of Futures: Higher Education, Employability & OxBridge

  • GDST
  • Oxford, Oxfordshire
  • 27/05/2026
Full time Information Technology Telecommunications

Job Description

EmployerOxford High School - GDSTLocationOxford, OxfordshireContract TypePermanentHoursFull Time, Term TimeContract LengthPermanentSalaryGDST Competitive Salary RangePosted22nd May 2026Start Date1st January 2027Expires10th June :59 PMContract TypePermanentStart Date1st January 2027Job IDStart Date1st January 2027Contract Type :PermanentContract Length: PermanentJob ID: Head of Futures: Shaping Bold AmbitionsHigher Education, Employability and OxBridgeThe RoleAre you an inspirational leader ready to empower students to stride out into the world with confidence and agency? We are seeking a dynamic Head of Futures to lead our innovative Futures Programme. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who believes that "what's next" should be as exciting as the here and now. You will be the architect of our students' journeys, from their first spark of career curiosity in Year 7 to securing places at the world's most prestigious universities.Key Responsibilities1. Aspirational University Admissions (Oxbridge & Elite Global)Expert Guidance: Provide high-level, bespoke support for UCAS, Oxbridge, and competitive pathways like Medicine and Law.International Horizons: Lead our global application strategy, including Ivy League (Common App) and other world-class international institutions.The Competitive Edge: Coordinate an intensive preparation calendar including admissions tests, interview practice, and "super-curricular" enrichment.2. Careers Leadership Across the School (Years 7-13)Whole-School Strategy: Design and deliver an engaging, age-appropriate careers curriculum that builds skills in leadership, innovation, and self-awareness from Year 7 onwards.Enterprise & Employability: Foster an "enterprising mindset," overseeing work experience, internships, and networking events like our flagship Futures Fair.Real-World Connections: Maintain a vibrant network of alumnae and industry partners to provide students with "meaningful encounters" with the world of work.3. Strategic Leadership & Pastoral CareSixth Form Integration: Work at the heart of the Sixth Form Team, collaborating with Tutors and Heads of Year to "stretch and support" every student's individual voice.Data & Insight: Analyse destination data to identify trends and ensure our outcomes continue to reflect the highest academic ambitions.Parental Partnership: Act as the authoritative voice for post-18 options, delivering clear, timely, and inspiring communication to our parent community.About You:You are a forward-thinking professional, who is used to working with academically ambitious young people, thrives on building relationships and guiding young women with strategic clarity, warmth and credibility through life-changing decisions. Most importantly, you are "proud to do things a little differently" to ensure our students leave school not just prepared for the future, but empowered to create their own.Benefits:As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:Competitive salaries and pay progressionAccess to extensive professional development opportunitiesTraining grants for qualificationsGenerous pension schemesFree life assurance benefitA discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schoolsInterest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loansA Cycle to Work schemeCompetitive terms and conditions of employmentSafeguarding Statement:The Girls' Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.