ACS International Schools is seeking an inspirational, experienced and highly organised University and Careers Counsellor to join the Upper School at ACS Hillingdon International School.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to play a central role in supporting students as they make important decisions about their futures.
Working collaboratively across the Upper School, you will develop and strengthen a cohesive university/college, careers and post-secondary guidance programme. You will advise and challenge students to achieve their aspirations, support applications to universities and colleges around the world, and help establish a culture of high expectations and ambition.
The successful candidate will be confident working with students, parents, teachers and senior leaders, while also developing strong relationships with universities and admissions professionals internationally.
About ACS Hillingdon
ACS Hillingdon International School is an established international school serving students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The school’s impressive 11-acre campus is located less than 14 miles from central London, offering students access to the exceptional educational, cultural and professional opportunities of the capital, while also providing an attractive campus environment.
Key Responsibilities
University & College Guidance
- Lead and administer all aspects of the university and college search and admissions process
- Provide individual guidance to students on university choices, applications, admissions
- requirements and post-secondary pathways
- Support students in developing high-quality personal statements, essays and applications
- Advise students and families on UK, US and international university systems, admissions trends and procedures
- Provide guidance regarding financial aid, including FAFSA and related processes.
- Complete and coordinate student reports, mid-year reports and other documentation requested by universities and colleges
- Advocate for students throughout the admissions process and liaise with university admissions offices to resolve issues and respond to changing requirements
- Organise university visits, tours, information sessions and related events
- Represent ACS Hillingdon at external university and careers events.
Careers & Post-Secondary Programme
- Work with Heads of Year to ensure careers guidance is effectively embedded within the PSHE curriculum
- Collaborate with IB and AP Coordinators to plan and deliver Career Day and related programmes
- Support the development of work experience and internship opportunities
- Contribute to a comprehensive careers and university guidance programme that supports students from an early stage through to graduation
- Deliver workshops and information sessions for students, parents and staff
- Support students in developing ambitious and realistic post-secondary plans.
Staff & School Support
- Write official school recommendations and references
- Train and support teachers in producing high-quality, consistent and effective recommendation letters
- Work collaboratively with the wider reference-writing team
- Maintain accurate college placement records and produce reports for school leadership
- Maintain credit checks and relevant student records
- Maintain and update the school’s university and college placement information and resources
- Coordinate student exits from ACS Hillingdon, including liaising with other institutions and sending transcripts where required
- Coordinate and schedule PSAT, Oxbridge and other relevant assessments.
University & Professional Relationships
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with university admissions teams and representatives
- Attend university visits, school visits, conferences and professional development opportunities to remain current with admissions trends and developments
- Keep abreast of changes in UK, US and international university admissions
- Build a strong professional network that benefits ACS Hillingdon students.
Community & School Contribution
- Provide an accessible and supportive presence for students and parents through scheduled meetings and an open-door approach
- Contribute to parent conferences, open evenings, assemblies and other educational programmes
- Support an open, responsive and welcoming ethos across the school
- Communicate school leadership decisions professionally and supportively
- Participate in accreditation, ISI and other committees as required
- Undertake other reasonable duties as assigned by school leaders.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about helping young people understand their potential and successfully transition from school to higher education and future careers.
You will ideally have:
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher – essential
- Proven experience in university, college or careers counselling within a secondary/high school
- environment
- Experience supporting students with university applications, ideally across multiple international destinations
- Teaching experience is desirable
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational and administrative abilities
- Strong IT skills
- Experience with BridgeU or a similar university/careers guidance platform is desirable
- A strong understanding of university admissions processes and current trends
- The ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and external organisations
- A commitment to high standards, student achievement and aspiration
- The confidence to challenge and inspire students to achieve more than they initially believe possible
- A collaborative, proactive and solution-focused approach
- A UK passport/be based in the UK.
What You Will Bring
Above all, you will be student-centred, ambitious and inspirational.
You will understand that effective university and careers counselling is about more than completing applications. You will help students identify their strengths, explore opportunities, make informed choices and develop the confidence to pursue ambitious futures.
You will be comfortable working independently while also being a highly collaborative member of the Upper School team.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Attend school approximately one week before teaching staff return for pre-planning
- Remain approximately one week after the end of the academic year for post-planning
- Provide support during the post-results period to assist students with university applications and decisions
- Attend occasional evening and weekend events, including some Bank Holidays where required.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: ACS Hillingdon International School, Hillingdon, UB10 0BE
Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday, term time
Applications are welcomed from candidates who are available to take up the position at short notice.
Why Join ACS Hillingdon?
This is an opportunity to join an international school community where you can have a genuine impact on students’ future pathways.
You will play a highly visible and influential role in shaping the university and careers journey of students, working with ambitious young people and collaborating with colleagues, families and leading universities.
If you are an experienced university and careers guidance professional who is passionate about student outcomes, international education and helping young people achieve their ambitions, we would love to hear from you.
Safeguarding:
ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.
ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre-employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
