Are you passionate about guiding students towards their future? Do you have the expertise and interpersonal skills to be the go-to person for higher education advice? We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Head of Higher Education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administration of UCAS:

  • Advise Sixth Form students, staff, and parents on the UCAS process.
  • Provide support and training to staff and Sixth Form tutors regarding UCAS and the Unifrog platform.
  • Monitor student progress with personal statements and teacher/tutor references.
  • Ensure timely applications by generating urgency and awareness of deadlines.
  • Check, finalise, and send all UCAS applications, including re-applications and gap-year applications.
  • Liaise with UCAS and universities, advise on firm and insurance choices, and support students around A-level results day, particularly regarding Clearing.
  • Collate university entrance statistics and student progression data.
  • Develop and maintain contact with staff in higher education institutions to assist in student transition.

  Higher Education Guidance:

  • Provide impartial and expert advice to Sixth Form students on higher education choices through individual consultations and year group assemblies.
  • Support students in using Unifrog for university research and preparation.
  • Be the first point of contact for students and parents requesting advice on university applications.
  • Support students in preparing and writing personal statements.
  • Stay updated on university entry issues and develop resources for student research.
  • Liaise with parents and provide training to Heads of Department and Sixth Form Tutors on writing UCAS references.

  Specialist Higher Education Guidance:

  • Support applicants for highly competitive universities and degree courses, including Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry.
  • Monitor and oversee these applicants throughout the UCAS application cycle, providing specialist guidance.
  • Work closely with contacts across the Hurst community to support these applicants through events, workshops, and mock interviews.
  • Manage the HSU (Highly Selective University) programme for Year 12.

  Events:

  • Arrange for external speakers to deliver assemblies on higher education topics.
  • Organise the Higher Education Information Evening and Higher Education Day for Year 12.
  • Organise university visits and deliver presentations at Year 13 parents’ evenings.
  • Support information events for Medicine and Oxbridge applicants.

  UCAS Literature:

  • Update and disseminate in-house information booklets on UCAS applications and personal statements.
  • Provide information for Sixth Form booklets, prospectuses, and the school website.
  • Work closely with the Marketing team to produce relevant literature.

  International Applications:

  • Raise awareness of international higher education opportunities.
  • Administer applications for students applying to international universities and support them throughout the process.
  • Coordinate letters of recommendation and manage relationships with external organizations to support international applicants.

  Careers:

  • Support the Futures Department during quieter moments in the UCAS cycle by offering careers guidance.
  • Network and connect with alumni and parents to provide career guidance opportunities.
  • Encourage Heads of Department to showcase career path opportunities.

  Working hours:

  30 hours per week (preferably spread over 4-5 days), with all working hours during term time to be completed on site. Working from home will be permissible during school vacations, with the exception of public exam results days and UCAS Clearing days. 

In return we offer:

• A highly competitive salary and benefits, including membership of The Teachers Pension Scheme for teaching applications.
• Free dining and refreshment facilities during term time.
• Free use of the Colleges sport and leisure facilities.
• Extensive professional development programmes, together with career opportunities across the College and Hurst Education Trust.

And a host of other excellent benefits. For further information please view our applicant information pack.

Hurstpierpoint College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including an online presence and adverse media review, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.