About the School - Downsend Sixth
We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.
Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.
We are now looking for a Head of Futures to join the Downsend Sixth Team to join the team for August 2025.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the role
At Downsend Sixth, the Future Skills program is implemented and monitored to ensure effective delivery and continuous improvement. The program includes ‘real world challenges’ to connect with other Cognita schools globally.
The Futures program provides comprehensive advice on university options and career pathways, involving both internal and external stakeholders to deliver outstanding guidance.
Strategic leadership involves working with the Head and Deputy Head to guide the Sixth Form, overseeing transitions from Downsend Senior School, and collaborating on recruitment and retention strategies. Relationships with other Cognita schools are fostered to enhance student development.
A vision for high-quality futures advice is promoted, inspiring enthusiasm for future opportunities. Senior leadership is advised on careers education policy and strategy, ensuring alignment with Gatsby benchmarks. The careers guidance program is implemented with innovative methods to engage pupils.
The Futures Department’s work is highlighted within and outside the school, making careers and higher education a key part of Downsend’s education. Regular reports and a comprehensive development plan are provided to school leadership.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for someone with excellent organisational and administrative skills and strong communication abilities (oral, written, and ICT). An enthusiastic commitment to co-curricular activities is essential, as is the ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
The ideal candidate will hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) and a postgraduate qualification in careers advice and guidance (e.g., QCG, QCF, or NVQ). Experience with the UCAS process, knowledge of non-university and vocational opportunities (including apprenticeships) and careers guidance within a school setting are required. Additionally, experience in organising and running careers events and trips, and developing a network of contacts across the school, business, and university community is important.
We seek someone who is willing to work hard with energy and enthusiasm, and who is prepared to go the extra mile. A cheerful and well-presented person with a good sense of humour and very high expectations of pupils’ attainment, progress, and behaviour is essential.
To view the full Candidate Pack alongside the Person Specification, please Click Here .
Please do enjoy looking through the information contained in this pack and learning more about Downsend Sixth, Downsend School and Cognita.
If you do wish to have a conversation about the role do not hesitate to get in touch via the following email address marc.broughton@downsend.co.uk and I look forward to hearing from you if this role is something that you wish to pursue.
Benefits at Cognita
• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 2nd February.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.