Career Counsellor - January 2027 - Rugby School Dubai

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugby School Dubai seeks a Career Counsellor to guide students from Year 7 to Year 13 in exploring university options, building strong applications and preparing for life beyond school.

The role supports the Futures programme with pathways to UK, UAE, US and worldwide, including apprenticeships and alternative routes; you will work with families and external partners to deliver information sessions, work experience coordination and university fairs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling or a related field.
• Experience working in a school setting, ideally in careers/university guidance or student support.
• Knowledge of UK university admissions (UCAS) and international application processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage students, parents and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office and student data systems.
• Experience in a British curriculum school.

Responsibilities

• Guide students through university applications, including UCAS and international systems, supporting personal statements, references, transcripts and deadlines.
• Track applications, offers and leaver destinations, and maintain accurate records of university contacts and alumni.
• Deliver information sessions and parent webinars on university choices, timelines and admission requirements.
• Support interview preparation and help specialist applicants (e.g., Oxbridge or Medicine) in partnership with Heads of Department.
• Deliver one-to-one and group guidance on subject choices, careers and future pathways (Year 9–13).
• Help students develop employability skills, including CV writing, personal statements and interview techniques.
• Support use of Unifrog with students, staff and parents.
• Contribute to Careers programme for Years 7–13, collaborating with Senior School Leadership Team.

Skills

UCAS knowledge

UK university admissions knowledge

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Student engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling or a related field

Recognised careers guidance or counselling qualification

Tools

MS Office

Unifrog experience

Job description

Job Description:

Rugby School Dubai is seeking an enthusiastic and organised Career Counsellor to join our Senior School in January 2027. Reporting to the Senior School Leadership Team, you will guide students from Year 7 to Year 13 as they explore their options, build strong university applications and prepare for life beyond school.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a growing Futures programme, supporting students and families with pathways to universities in the UK, UAE, US and worldwide, as well as apprenticeships and alternative routes.

Rugby School Dubai (RSD) opened its doors in August 2026. It is the next chapter of Rugby School’s legacy, where British heritage meets the UAE’s forward ambition. Guided by the ethos, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point,” we pair academic depth with pastoral strength so pupils grow in scholarship and in self. Across rigorous academics, sport, performing arts and music, leadership and service, and House life, every experience will help each child find their voice, expand their horizons, and lead with purpose. This is more than a school; it is a community where character leads achievement and tradition inspires tomorrow. The school takes pupils from FS1-Year 13 and is located in the Nad Al Sheba district of Dubai. We are proud members of the Aldar Education group.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

University and post-18 pathways

• Guide students through university applications, including UCAS and international systems, supporting personal statements, references, transcripts and deadlines.
• Track applications, offers and leaver destinations, and maintain accurate records of university contacts and alumni.
• Deliver information sessions and parent webinars on university choices, application timelines and admission requirements.
• Support interview preparation and help specialist applicants, such as those applying for Oxbridge or Medicine, in partnership with Heads of Department.

Careers education and guidance

• Deliver one-to-one and group guidance on subject choices, careers and future pathways, with a particular focus on the Year 9 and Year 11 options and other key transition points.
• Help students develop employability skills, including CV writing, personal statements and interview techniques.
• Support the use of Unifrog with students, staff and parents.
• Contribute to the Careers programme for Years 7 to 13, working with the Senior School Leadership Team and Heads of Year.

Work experience and partnerships

• Coordinate work experience placements with external organisations, including agreements, parental consents and risk assessments.
• Act as a point of contact for students and employers during placements, and record feedback and outcomes.
• Build links with universities, businesses and the alumni network to create opportunities for students.

Events and communication

• Organise university fairs, guest speakers, workshops and careers events.
• Share careers information through newsletters, displays, the school website and social media.
• Support students and families on results days.

Qualifications

About you:

Essential

• A bachelors degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, Careers Guidance or a related field.
• Experience working in a school setting, ideally in careers, university guidance or student support.
• Knowledge of UK university admissions (UCAS) and international application processes (US, Europe, etc).
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage students, parents and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office and student data systems.
• Experience in a British curriculum school.

Desirable

• A recognised careers guidance or counselling qualification.
• Experience using Unifrog or similar platforms.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the school reserves the right to appoint early if an outstanding candidate is identified.

Rugby School Dubai is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, police clearance and qualification verification, in line with KHDA and Rugby School requirements.