Higher Education Counsellor (Preferred Start in Apr 2025) – South Island School

South Island School seeks to appoint an outstanding Higher Education Counsellor to join an experienced and high-performing team whose role is to provide advice and guidance to our international body of students (and their parents) as they apply to universities around the world. There are many routes into HE counselling, and we understand that you may hold either a recognised teaching qualification and/or a degree alongside further professional qualifications in the field. 

Although this is not specifically a teaching position, the role will involve interacting extensively with young people, both one-to-one and in groups. Applicants should have significant experience of Higher Education counselling, preferably dealing with applicants to more than one geographical destination, ideally with an established network of admissions contacts. School-based experience would be an advantage; however, we welcome applicants from other backgrounds who are able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the school context. Experience in the United Kingdom and North American Higher Education systems would also be an advantage, though not essential. Our Higher Education and Careers provision starts in Year 9 and supports students as they become Alumni. Outside of Higher Education and Careers work our counsellors are pastoral tutors, run after school activities and are a valuable part of student support services, offering ‘drop in’ chat opportunities to the senior school. 

At South Island School, we run several different academic programmes prior to school graduation. Students commence their studies at SIS with the IBMYP (Years 7-9), progress to IGCSE (Years 10-11), and finish their studies with either the IB Diploma (IBDP), the IB Careers-Related Programme (IBCP), or (for students with individual needs) a bespoke educational package. Our counselling team must be aware of the needs of students within all of the above educational pathways, and must be able to offer each student the very best advice regarding appropriate destinations and institutions, ensuring students are effectively guided in possible ‘stretch’, ‘secure’ and ‘safety’ options. There are approximately 350 students in Years 12 and 13, and our counsellors work very positively with each and every student, building good relationships to foster a spirit of trust and open communication. 

The successful candidate will be open-minded and willing to learn. Since dealing with references, recommendations, essays and personal statements is a key area, fluency and a high level of literacy in the English language are absolutely essential, as is the ability and confidence to address large audiences of students, parents and fellow professionals. Above all, we expect our counsellors to enjoy the company of young people, and to show patience, care and good humour in their engagement with our students.

Responsibilities

• Conducting individual interviews with a caseload of approximately 60 per year students (and, where appropriate, their parents) in Years 11, 12 and 13, focusing on their Higher Education plans and applications
• Developing close working links with Heads of House, the Head of Post-16 Learning (IBDP Coordinator) and the IBCP Coordinator to provide cohesive student support where appropriate
• Working with the HE Team in preparing supporting materials for each student’s HE applications, including the preparation and proofreading of references and recommendations
• Assisting the Head of Careers and Higher Education in liaising with HE representatives, students and parents, organising meetings and taking responsibility for presentations on specific destinations, as specified by the Head of Careers and Higher Education
• Working with the HE Team in the production of materials for the HE Guidance programme, in selecting resources for the Careers Centre, utilising the HE Google Classroom and Unifrog; working with the Individual Needs faculty to offer appropriate guidance on post-school pathways for students on bespoke educational packages
• Helping organise Careers and University Fairs
• Taking responsibility for the planning and organisation of the Year 11 Work Experience Week
• Designing and delivering Year 9 and 10 careers workshops through our pastoral learning curriculum
• Undertaking other tasks as reasonably directed by the Head of Careers and Higher Education

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, and a recognised HE Counselling or Psychology qualification, or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or Psychology
• Previous experience in Higher Education Counselling
• A Teaching qualification would also be beneficial but is not a specific requirement for this role

Contract & Other Notes

The position will be a full-time renewable contract for an initial two-year period. Ideally, to start from April 2025, but for the right candidate, the start date can be delayed to August 2025. The role includes a substantial end of contract gratuity, in line with that offered to teachers. 

Our HE counsellors follow school term times and are required to be available on pre-agreed days during the school holidays (e.g. examination results days). There will also be occasions when attendance at evening events is required, and there is an expectation that our counsellors will periodically join overseas Higher Education tours that occur largely outside term-time. 

Support with obtaining Hong Kong residence will be provided if necessary.

Further Information

Further information can be found in the following locations:

• South Island School website: https://www.sis.edu.hk
• English Schools Foundation website: https://www.esf.edu.hk/
• Please email the Principal’s PA, Ms Zin Mogg, if you have any questions: zmogg@sis.edu.hk

Thank you again for your interest in this role.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

www.esf.edu.hk