University & Careers Guidance Counsellor

Context: The University and Career Guidance Counsellor is responsible for enabling students to develop and pursue academic, career, and university goals aligned with their individual strengths, values, and interests. Through focussed guidance and by working collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff the counsellor will foster a positive learning environment and support students to prepare effectively for higher education and career pathways.
1. Academic Counselling: Take a student-centred approach to advise on subject selection, graduation pathways and potential future requirements. Specifically through:
● Assisting students in course selection and academic planning.
● Monitoring academic progress and providing intervention strategies.
● Organising and conducting workshops on study skills, time management, and test preparation.
2. Post Secondary Advising/Counselling
● Manage a caseload of students assisting them with all post-secondary planning, including applying to university, gap year or employment.
● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global university admissions trends and requirements.
● Develop and maintain processes and timelines for university applications, and be available to offer
university-related support and counselling to students throughout extended holiday periods.
● Assist and advise students and their parents through the university admissions process - including
financial aid/scholarship opportunities.
● Develop and deliver workshops and presentations on university application processes, including essay writing and scholarship opportunities
● Meet with new and prospective students, as signposted by the Head of Sixth Form, to advise on the best academic transition to BISP for their post-secondary goals.
● Support students with standardised testing strategies, such as SAT, ACT, and TOEFL.
● Foster relationships with university admissions offices to advocate for our students including planning for college visits and fairs, as needed.
● Conduct exit meetings with graduating students.
3. Collaboration and Reporting:
● To write information for reports or documentation and share with teachers as required across the whole school
● To keep detailed confidential counsellor records for children receiving 1:1 counselling
● Communicate with parents as and when necessary
● To collaborate in the writing of relevant whole school policies as needed
● To actively make and maintain links with external support agencies
● To liaise with external support agencies
4. Other Responsibilities
● Supervise children in the play areas at break times according to the duty rota
● Serve as a role model to the children in terms of behaviour, dress, attitude and manners
● Be available to attend and participate in extracurricular events in the school calendar
● Support the aims and ethos of the school.
● Attend team and staff meetings as required.
● Be familiar with the Handbook for Families, with Staff Supplement.
● Actively support and adhere to the Child Protection Policy, including attending annual training.