What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you looking to join a high-performing and ambitious team in a thriving and dynamic school? Great Western Academy has an exciting new opportunity, looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Careers Advisor and Coordinator. Whilst a level 4 or 6 NVQ in Advice and Guidance is preferred we will support with training for the right person. Working hours will be up to 20 hours per week, term time only, permanent. Flexible working options can be discussed.
About us:
Great Western Academy is an oversubscribed 11-18 school which opened in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities in North Swindon in September 2018.
Our first two sets of GCSE results showed that the progress made by the large majority of students has been excellent, particularly in English and Maths. Benchmark results are well above national averages (2024: 53% grade 5+ in English and Maths, 74% grade 4+ in English and Maths) from cohorts that matched national averages on entry. This reflects progress by students of all abilities, backgrounds and those with SEND.
The results of our first four A-level cohorts have also been excellent and enabled 98% of university applicants to take up their offers, including four to Oxford and Cambridge; students have also secured prestigious apprenticeships with companies such as Airbus and Rolls Royce.
Role overview:
This role focuses on providing high quality careers support and guidance for our students at all levels. We already have a strong provision in this area, and as part of a re-working of roles in our Senior Team we are looking for someone who can build on our current provision to lead an exceptional careers education for all our students that is fully compliant with all guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
To develop and deliver a careers programme in an effective manner whilst following the guidelines and standards set by the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance. Our Careers Advisor and Coordinator will be responsible for the planning, promotion, resourcing and delivery of a wide range of Careers events across all year groups. They will liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of Careers and Progression events, playing a key role in planning and delivering talks to parents and pupils as required. They will use School ICT systems and third-party software such as Unifrog to inform and record guidance information and resources for staff and pupils whilst also maintaining their own professional expertise through participation in CPD. They will work with Heads of Departments to facilitate purposeful subjects/careers related programmes. Keeping up-to-date knowledge of admissions procedures and current admissions trends (for universities, further educational colleges, and degree apprenticeships) will also be essential.
Great Western Academy aims to radically improve the life chances of every student. Our brand-new building and state-of-the-art facilities help us to achieve this, but it is the fantastic team of staff who turn our vision into reality. If you have the proven ability, or a clear desire, to inspire students, then this role will provide you with an exciting opportunity to further shape your practice and develop your career.
What the school offers its staff
Additional benefits of working at Great Western Academy include:
• Average class sizes of 26 in years 7 to 11
• Flexible working opportunities
• Excellent CPD opportunities
• State-of-the-art facilities and a 3G artificial football pitch
• Leading edge ICT, including a laptop provided for all students and staff
• Free Health and Wellbeing Support Service
• Cycle to work scheme through Cyclescheme
• Access to EV charging on site. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Easy access to the A419, and free parking
Commitment to safeguarding
Great Western Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. All posts within the Trust are therefore subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check.