Head of Pathways and Transition

John XXIII College; Perth; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

John XXIII College invites applications for Head of Pathways and Transition, a senior leadership role in the Secondary School. The position oversees careers and course counselling, VET, workplace learning and tertiary education pathways for Years 9–12, blending student-specific guidance with curriculum and partnership management.

The role also involves reporting, compliance with nationally recognised training, and collaboration with Academic Leadership and other senior staff to drive innovative

Qualifications

• Experience leading Pathways and Transition programs within a secondary school setting.
• Strong instructional leadership with a focus on pedagogy and staff development.
• Knowledge of VET, TAFE and university pathways and their integration into school curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Promote the Catholic and Ignatian nature of the College and support Mission, Vision and Pillars.
• Lead Year 9–12 counselling, employability skills, tertiary education and career pathways.
• Coordinate Year 10 counselling and pathway planning including subject selection.
• Design and deliver Year 10 Pathway Planning and Year 9 careers curriculum.
• Oversee TISC, university and TAFE applications and alternative pathways.
• Drive vocational education initiatives and liaise with external providers.
• Maintain partnerships with RTOs, TAFE, universities and industry.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Student counselling

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Teaching qualification

TRBWA registration

Working with Children Check

Job description

Inspired by the Gospels, and in the spirit of John XXIII, Mary Ward and Ignatius Loyola, we seek to be people of competence, conscience and compassion who are committed to God and the service of others. We are a leading Catholic, independent, co-educational College where academic and personal excellence, along with the commitment to serve others and seek justice, are the aspirations of every student.

About the role

The role of Head of Pathways and Transition is a significant leadership position in the Secondary School, with responsibilities spanning careers and course counselling, vocational education and training, workplace learning and tertiary education pathways for students from Year 9 to Year 12. The role combines individual counselling of students and families, curriculum design and delivery, the management of external partnerships with registered training organisations, TAFE, universities and industry, and the compliance and reporting obligations attached to nationally recognised training. The Head of Pathways and Transition is a member of the College Academic Leadership Team and works collaboratively with other learning area leaders, Assistant Deputy Principals and the Secondary Leadership Team in support of student-focused, innovative practices and the ongoing professional growth of staff.

Key responsibilities

Promote the Catholic and Ignatian nature of the College and actively support its Mission, Vision and Strategic Pillars

Lead an engaging program of year level initiatives spanning course counselling, employability skills, tertiary education, vocational education and training, and career pathways

Provide individual course and career counselling to students, parents and teachers across Years 9 to 12

Lead the Year 10 course counselling and pathway planning processes, including subject selection and subsequent course changes for Year 11 and Year 12 students across all pathways

Design and deliver the Year 10 Pathway Planning course and the Year 9 careers and transition curriculum

Coordinate advice and practical assistance for TISC, university and TAFE applications, including alternative and enabling pathways to university

Lead vocational education and training initiatives within the Secondary School, seeking out and evaluating innovative and effective practice in VET

Manage the College's participation in the INSTEP West VET cluster, including attendance at cluster meetings and communication of processes to students and families

Establish and maintain strong partnerships with registered training organisations, TAFE and industry providers to identify suitable opportunities for students

Oversee the coordination of workplace learning and work placement programs, including correspondence with parents, induction days, and student health and safety awareness

About you

Model the Catholic and Ignatian tradition of the College

Demonstrated experience, knowledge and skills to lead the Pathways and Transition program at the College

Demonstrated ability as an instructional leader with outstanding classroom pedagogy

Possess an educational vision and strong sense of purpose consistent with the College Mission

Articulate a comprehensive understanding of current educational issues

Possess excellent interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with students, staff and parents

Demonstrated knowledge of WACE requirements, vocational education and training in schools, and tertiary admission processes

Demonstrated capacity to build and sustain productive partnerships with registered training organisations, TAFE, universities, industry and community organisations

Have or be willing to attain the appropriate Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School

Current TRBWA registration and Working with Children Check

Applications Close: Sunday 25 October 2026 at 5:00pm

The College reserves the right to interview and appoint the successful applicant during the advertising period.

I extend to you a very warm welcome to the John XXIII College website where we offer you a glimpse of what our College has to offer for your child's education. Here you can find out about the values and philosophy that form the foundation of our curriculum and John XXIII College's approach to education.

We offer a co-educational learning environment where all our students (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12) are supported, on an individual basis, to reach their goals - both academically and in their personal and spiritual development. At John XXIII College we are passionate about nurturing young minds and bringing out the best in our students.

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.

I extend to you a very warm welcome to the John XXIII College website where we offer you a glimpse of what our College has to offer for your child's education. Here you can find out about the values and philosophy that form the foundation of our curriculum and John XXIII College's approach to education.

We offer a co-educational learning environment where all our students (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12) are supported, on an individual basis, to reach their goals - both academically and in their personal and spiritual development. At John XXIII College we are passionate about nurturing young minds and bringing out the best in our students.

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.