Head of Futures (Universities and Careers)

Head of Futures (Universities and Careers)

The role of Head of Futures is an important one with both strategic and organisational responsibilities. The Head of Futures reports to the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head Academic.

Person Specification

• An Honours graduate or higher.

• Relevant experience in university counselling, higher education admissions, careers guidance, or secondary education.

• Strong knowledge of:

o Hong Kong university admissions systems

o UCAS and UK University admissions

o US college admissions processes

• Experience working with secondary school students aged 14–18.

• Experience supporting highly competitive university applications.

• Understanding of international curricula, including A Levels and IGCSEs.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

University Guidance

• Provide personalised university counselling for students in Years 9–13.

• Advise students on suitable university courses, institutions, and career pathways based on their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

• Running careers and university guidance sessions for Year 12 and 13 students as part of the PSHE programme.

• Support applications to:

o Hong Kong, UK and US universities

o Canadian, Australian, European, and other international universities as required

• Guide students through admissions processes, requirements, and timelines.

• Support students with:

o Personal statements

o College essays and supplemental writing

o University interviews

o Admissions testing

o Portfolios and audition preparation where relevant

o Personalised strategy development

• To promote the school’s marketing and admissions through running workshops for external students.

Competitive University Applications

• Advise students applying to highly selective institutions, including:

o Oxford and Cambridge

o Russell Group universities

o Ivy League and other highly selective US institutions

o Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Law, Engineering and competitive business programmes

• Coordinate preparation for admissions tests such as the UCAT, LNAT, ESAT, TMUA, SAT, ACT, and other relevant assessments.

• Support students in interview preparation and mock interview programmes.

Careers Education and Guidance

• Develop and deliver a coherent careers education programme across the Senior school, working alongside the schools Super-Curricular Programme (SCAs).

• To develop links with businesses across Hong Kong and the wider region.

• To develop links with WASHK parents and supporters to build a programme to support students including workshops, interviews, exereinces and internships.

• Support students in exploring career interests and pathways.

• Develop a range of work experience opportunities for students from Year 9-13

• Deliver workshops on:

o Career planning

o Employability skills

o University selection

o Subject choices and future pathways

• Promote awareness of apprenticeships, gap years, internships, and alternative routes to higher education.

Parent Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents throughout the university admissions process.

• Provide individual consultations with families.

• Organise parent information evenings and webinars.

University and Industry Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with admissions representatives from universities worldwide.

• Coordinate visits from university representatives.

• Organise university fairs and higher education events.

• Develop partnerships with professional organisations and employers to enhance student career exploration opportunities.

• Co-ordinate visits to HK universities as well as running annual trips during the term break to visit UK / US universities.

Administration and Data Management

• Manage all aspects of the school's university application systems and processes.

• Ensure applications and references are submitted accurately and on time.

• Maintain detailed records of applications, offers, destinations, and scholarship outcomes.

• Produce reports and analysis for senior leadership, attending SLT meetings where required

• Monitor trends in university placements and admissions.

Super Curricular Programme / Extended Project Qualification

• Lead on the school’s Super Curricular programme, working closely with the Heads of iSTEAM and Entrepreneurship as well as the ProEd team.

• Co-ordinate with ProEd to ensure that weekly careers sessions are of the highest quality, supported onsite by WA Staff.

• To lead on the development of the school’s in-house careers programme across Years 9-13.

• Lead on the EPQ and UPP (in house University Preparation Project), running sessions for students and supporting staff mentors.

Staff Collaboration

• Work closely with tutors, Heads of Section, subject teachers, and senior leaders to support students throughout the application process

• Coordinate the preparation of supporting documentation, references, and predicted grades.

• Advise staff on university admissions developments and best practice, including delivering training sessions for tutors.

• Liaise with key staff across WA International Schools and WA UK to develop educational initiatives across the group.

• Leverage PR opportunities in conjunction with the school’s marketing and digital media.

The above responsibilities are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required, within reason, to undertake other duties and responsibilities that the Headmaster may determine within the purpose of the post.

Rob Fox

July 2026