Head of Careers and UCAS

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. 

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

The Role

Applications are welcome from well-qualified graduates with a proven record of excellence and comprehensive careers and UCAS experience. This is an important and demanding role in both leadership and management and is of crucial importance in the guidance of pupils in their career planning and choices. It requires a high level of interpersonal and communication skills as well as excellent organisation. The successful applicant will demonstrate impartiality, flexibility and a proven ability to deal with change.

The EA Careers Department has built up a reputation for being very much pupil centred, with the emphasis on availability and individual guidance. This is an exciting opportunity for the new Head of Careers and UCAS to develop this strength even further but also to have their own vision for the department in a rapidly evolving careers world. Working closely with a team of Careers Advisers (there is one full-time adviser and two part-time members of staff currently within the team) the post-holder will be responsible for the management and delivery of the school’s careers provision. In addition to a dynamic careers programme, the Edinburgh Academy’s top priority is to make impartial careers advice available, on an individual basis, to all pupils.

The role is available from August 2024.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• Leading the Careers Team and external partners who deliver careers guidance.
• Advising the SMT on policy and strategy with regards to the careers programme.
• Understanding the implications of a rapidly changing education and work landscape.
• Developing and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the careers sector.
• Preparing and implementing a careers Development Plan, in line with the whole school’s development plan.
• Leading the UCAS process: the post-holder will oversee the UCAS process for all university applicants, with specific responsibility for the extensive support given to early applicants (Dentists, Medics, Vets and Oxbridge).

Management and co-ordination

• Managing and administrating the UCAS application process.
• Managing the annual provision of education, career and employment information.
• Managing the work of the team providing careers guidance.
• Oversee the professional development of the careers team, including annual reviews.
• Keeping up-to-date the Departmental Handbook.
• Co-ordinate the Careers input into the PSHE programme. Liaise with the Year Heads for Senior Years, Middle Years and Transition Years as appropriate.
• Being available in school on SQA results day for advice and support.
• Planning and managing the careers budget.
• Arrange, chair and minute weekly departmental meetings.
• Attend and contribute to Curriculum / Higher Education evenings.
• Responsible for communication with parents and pupils.
• Promoting and publicising the work of the Department and the Academy Careers Policy.
• Oversee the use of Careers facilities, including the Careers Library.
• Work closely with the Careers Librarian maintaining up-to-date resources.
• Oversee the information available on the school website.
• Oversee the tracking of school leavers’ destinations.
• Managing the use of Unifrog as the school’s careers support platform.

Networking

• Establishing, maintaining and developing links with universities, colleges, professional organisations, the Armed Forces, apprenticeships and employment providers.
• Maintaining and developing a network of EA Alumni and friends of EA, liaising with the Development and Alumni office. Keeping up-to-date a database of potential speakers (parents and friends of EA).
• Liaising with local and national careers groups (HMC/UCAS)
• Commissioning career guidance services where appropriate (Morrisby/Unifrog​

Tasks specific to the Edinburgh Academy post

In addition to the general responsibilities of the post, specific tasks will be expected of the post-holder. A number of other tasks are delegated but the post-holder oversees them and retains full responsibility.

• Coordinating presentations to year groups and parents (university, college, apprenticeships, work experience, employers).
• Coordinating the post-exam careers provision for 6ths (UCAS and Personal Statement workshops/university presentations).
• Interviews: the Head of Careers is responsible for all individual interviews and carries out:
• 3rds, 5ths and 6ths Careers Interviews, as well as 7ths Mock Interviews. These are shared between the team. Written reports are kept for 3rds, 5ths and 6ths individual interviews.
• Frequent one to one careers discussions on demand.
• Overseeing the CV and mock interview programme.
• Overseeing the 5ths profiling and interview programme.
• Overseeing the Geits, 2nds, 3rds and 4ths careers activities.
• Assisting with the Senior Years super-curricular programme.

The ability to coach at least one of our core sports (rugby, hockey, cricket, and athletics) to a high level would therefore be an advantage.

Also included are those duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy:

1. To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
2. To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
3. To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
4. To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
5. To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
6. To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
7. To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications/Experience (E=Essential D= Desirable)

• GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree – essential
• Should have drive, enthusiasm and a dynamic approach to the world of Careers / World of Work – essential
• Experience at leading the UCAS process – essential
• Knowledge of university entry in international universities/colleges – desirable
• Excellent organisational skills – essential
• Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative – essential
• Positive contributions to curricular development initiatives – essential
• Proficient in using IT where appropriate, but also in communicating with colleagues, parents and students – essential
• Take a positive approach to teaching, engendering a sense of achievement and accomplishment for all – essential
• Willing to be part of the school’s Games programme, providing coaching support to one of the teams (rugby/hockey/cricket/athletics) – desirable

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.