Director of Higher Education

ISC group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

King’s College School, Wimbledon invites applications for a Director of Higher Education, starting September 2027. The role reports to the deputy head (director of studies) and leads post-18 guidance across the sixth form, coordinating with senior staff to shape pupils’ futures.

The successful candidate will bring a deep knowledge of post-18 options in the UK, USA and beyond, and will develop strategic, data-informed programmes that support pupils and families while evolving with changes in

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in higher education and post-18 pathways.
• Strategic, creative and empathetic thinking to plan, resource and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead post-18 applications and guidance for King’s College School, Wimbledon.
• Collaborate with deputy heads, head of sixth form, director of IB and other staff to shape HE guidance.
• Develop an approach to higher education provision that evolves with changes in the HE landscape.
• Guide pupils to success with UK, USA and other pathways including apprenticeships and conservatoires.

Skills

Higher education knowledge

Strategic thinking

Project management

Leadership skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Discretion & integrity

Flexibility

Teaching record

Education

Honours degree

Job description

Required from September 2027

We are delighted to welcome applications for the role of director of higher education at King’s College School, Wimbledon from September 2027. This role has become available due to the internal promotion of the current post-holder to deputy headship at King’s.

Reporting to the deputy head (director of studies), this person will play a pivotal role in the life of the school, with responsibility for leading post-18 applications at King’s in an engaging and informative way.

Our mission is to offer an outward-looking, forward-thinking education in Mind, Spirit and Heart, and to furnish our young people with the very best preparation for life at 25 and the world beyond school, with the skills and values to live a fulfilled and purposeful life and to make a positive impact in the world.

The successful candidate will possess a good knowledge of the broad range of post-18 options, and have the vision, enthusiasm and attention to detail to direct, help and support pupils and their families. They will be committed to delivering the best possible provision in this area, and ensuring this provision evolves in response to changes in the broader higher education landscape.

They will be eager to guide pupils to make successful applications to a broad range of competitive universities in the UK, USA and beyond, and to degree apprenticeships, music conservatoires, drama schools, art foundation courses and other specialist pathways.

The post-holder will work closely with the deputy heads, head of sixth form, the director of IB and the head of A level, as well as the wider staff body, to develop an approach to higher education guidance that complements pupils’ A level and IB studies. The post-holder will also make a valued contribution within the King’s international family of schools, offering guidance and training as appropriate.

The successful candidate will have a strong personal presence and will be keen to play a visible, active and full part in the life of the school community.

Person Specification

Essential:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

1. a genuine interest in higher education and post-18 pathways, together with a commitment to maintaining an up-to-date understanding of developments in this area
2. the ability to think strategically, creatively and empathetically, and to develop, plan, resource and manage complex projects effectively
3. strong organisational, administrative and leadership skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
4. resilience, sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
5. a proven ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, and to establish productive partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
6. a pastoral mindset, with the ability to build trusted partnerships with parents, manage expectations with empathy and clarity, and support pupils when challenges or setbacks arise
7. excellent written and verbal communication skills
8. strong analytical skills and the ability to maintain effective systems for record-keeping, monitoring and evaluation
9. a willingness to work flexibly, including during weekends and school holidays as necessary
10. a high level of personal and professional integrity, discretion and confidentiality
11. a good honours degree from a respected university and an excellent teaching record in any academic discipline

Desirable:

1. experience of leading or contributing to higher education provision within a school or sixth form setting, including supporting applications to UK and/or international institutions
2. experience of middle leadership, whether academic, pastoral or operational, for example as a head of department, head of year, head of house, or in a role of comparable responsibility

Whilst this post will lead on all post-18 applications, it is anticipated that applicants may have greater experience in higher education within a particular geography over another (e.g. North America, UK) and the composition of the wider team will be reviewed depending upon the skillset of the successful candidate.

Closing date: Friday 20th November 2026 at 9 am

Interview date: Friday 27th November 2026

Early applications are encouraged; interviews may be staged and we may choose to appoint at any time during the application process.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.