Director of Careers & Higher Education- August 2025

The British International School, Cairo (BISC) seeks an experienced and innovative University Counsellor to lead our Higher Education and Careers team. The school is recognised as a major player in the international universities market and we seek to consolidate and expand our reputation with universities around the world. The majority of our students progress to higher education in the UK and USA; many also go to other universities around the world including Canada and Europe. The successful candidate will be a member of the Sixth Form Leadership team.

The school offers exceptional professional development and opportunities to contribute to a culture of school improvement. This position is a key leadership role within our school, and the successful candidate will have a significant role in leading the team to achieve our priorities and vision. Previous experience of university guidance in a US or UK international school, and knowledge of the IB programme is essential. All staff are expected to show a genuine commitment to supporting co-curricular activities, school events and school trips.

The British International School, Cairo is a co-educational school with 1,160 pupils aged 3-18 (580 pupils in the Junior School). An accredited member of COBIS, BSME and IAPS, and an IB World School, BISC is one of the leading academic schools in the region. We comply with the DfE's BSO Standards (British Standards Overseas). We provide a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum, guided by the National Curriculum for England, pursuing excellence in both learning and teaching. Further details are available on the school’s website: www.bisc.edu.eg

Cairo itself is a bustling city, home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments, with good access to other countries in the region. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage, a crossroads between Africa, the Middle East and Europe. With a population close to twenty million Cairo is a city of huge contrasts and provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

This video will give you some insights into the school community and living in Egypt

Person Specification

• graduate in a related degree with qualified teacher status and evidence of masters level research;
• experience in leading teams in this particular field and working as part of a team to secure the best provision in university guidance;
• experience in preparing students for higher education institutions around the world, including Russell Group universities;
• clear understanding of the admissions requirements and procedures of universities around the world particularly in the UK and the USA;
• prior experience of successful admission of applicants into Oxbridge is desirable;
• secure knowledge and understanding of the different higher education systems offered in the international market;
• people focused, able to listen and offer high quality guidance advice to young people and their families;
• able to represent the school on line and in person at a range of fairs and guidance events;
• clear understanding of the relevance of a progressive and inclusive careers based programme throughout the school;
• organised, able to meet deadlines and lead others in managing their own workload;
• empathetic and kind, able to provide genuine guidance and support to young people;
• committed to their own professional development;
• enjoys the opportunity to participate in university and careers related co-curricular activities;
• meets our child protection and safeguarding requirements in full.

To comply with Egyptian employment law, applicants must have QTS and a MINIMUM of three years teaching post qualification teaching experience.

Remuneration

The British International School, Cairo (BISC) offers a highly competitive tax free salary, paid entirely in Pound Sterling and directly into a UK bank account.

In addition, expat teachers benefit from a generous housing allowance, private BUPA Gold medical insurance which includes family dependents, annual return flights to the UK, and 2 free places for children of school age.

Exceptionally, our staff full salary is paid in foreign currency (GBP). The very low cost of living mean staff are able to save significantly, while still enjoying a great quality of life. A guide to costs can be found here: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Egypt

How to apply

Please apply by completing the online application form on the TES website including a letter of application, addressed to the Principal (Ms. Lynne Oldfiel) as a pdf document.

Applications must include the contact details for at least two professional referees one of whom should be your current Headteacher/Principal.

Completed applications should be submitted electronically via ‘Apply Now’ on TES Online. The initial deadline for receipt of applications is 16th December 2024. The school reserves the right to interview potential appointees and to make an appointment before the deadline date. Thus early applications are encouraged.

Employer: The British International School, Cairo (BISC)

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Contract type: Full time

Start date: 1st August 2025

Contract term: 31st July 2027 renewable

Closing Date: 16th December 2024

Safeguarding

The British International School, Cairo is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment practices as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (Sept 2023), including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. UK and EU-based passport holders will be required to obtain an ICPC check. Current and previous employers will be contacted.