Job Introduction
The Cowplain School is seeking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Careers Leader to lead and develop our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme across Years 7–11. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about ensuring that all young people are supported to understand their options, develop their aspirations and prepare successfully for their next steps.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that our careers provision is ambitious, inclusive and fully compliant with statutory requirements and the Gatsby Benchmarks. You will work closely with senior leaders, staff, students, parents and external partners to develop a coherent whole-school careers programme that provides meaningful encounters with employers, further and higher education, apprenticeships and the wider world of work.
You will take a strategic lead on the development and quality assurance of our careers programme, including work experience, employer engagement, careers events and assemblies, provider access and destinations tracking. You will also oversee the effective use of Unifrog and other careers systems to support students' careers learning, guidance and post-16 and post-18 transitions.
The role will involve building strong relationships with employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship and training providers and other external organisations. You will also work closely with subject leaders, tutors, the SENDCo and pastoral teams to ensure that careers education is accessible and relevant to all students, including those who may require additional support.
Previous experience of working with young people in a secondary school or similar setting, coordinating projects and working with a range of stakeholders would be advantageous. Experience of work experience coordination, employer engagement and careers platforms such as Unifrog or Compass+ would also be desirable.
Applicants should have a strong understanding of careers guidance, the Gatsby Benchmarks and Provider Access Legislation, together with knowledge of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships and technical education. A Level 6 Careers Leader qualification is desirable, although applicants who are willing to achieve this within an agreed timeframe will also be considered.
We are extremely ambitious for our students and are committed to ensuring that every young person leaves Cowplain with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. We are looking for someone who shares this ambition and who can develop positive relationships, manage competing priorities effectively and bring energy and creativity to our careers provision.
We offer all members of staff a full induction programme and significant opportunities to develop their expertise. Colleagues at the school work together to support each other and we have an active wellbeing committee.
The application pack and application form are accessible via https://www.cowplainschool.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/. If you have any queries, please email a.simmons@cowplainschool.co.uk. If you wish to apply for this post you will need to return a fully completed ‘The Cowplain School’ application form to Mrs Amanda Simmons, PA to the Principal, via email or post to The Cowplain School, Hart Plain Avenue, Cowplain, Waterlooville, Hants, PO8 8RY.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 15th October 2026 at midday.
The Academy reserves the right to interview earlier should suitable candidates apply.
The Cowplain School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
