University Counsellor

About the School - The British School of Barcelona

The British School of Barcelona (BSB) is a great school in a wonderful location. We are an HMC school and were judged by a recent BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspection to be outstanding in every area, including quality of education, safeguarding, pupil welfare and academic outcomes.

BSB is a large, very popular school for children aged 3 to 18. Our curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, and we offer a wide range of GCSEs, A levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, all alongside a significant enrichment programme.

Over 2000 pupils from more than 74 nationalities attend the school and over 315 staff work at BSB. We are based in three locations, two just outside the city of Barcelona – in Castelldefels, where we have a Primary, Secondary and Pre-University campus, and in the cosmopolitan town of Sitges, where we have another Primary campus. BSB City is in the heart of the city of Barcelona itself with a Foundation campus (built September 2021), and a brand-new main campus which opened in September 2023.

The growth of the school has been accompanied by significant investment over recent years, including the building of a state-of–the art Pre-University Centre (Nexus), a full-sized 4G rugby and football pitch, dedicated STEM facilities and the new BSB City campuses.

Barcelona is a wonderful place to live, combining an amazing city with beach and mountains nearby. The quality of life is excellent with a mild climate and year-round sunshine.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced  University Counsellor to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

We are looking for a full-time, permanent University Counsellor and Futures Adviser who would work across the BSB City and Castelldefels campuses.

There is currently a strong programme of support to help students access top universities around the world. The successful candidate will line manage an assistant futures advisor and coordinate a number of other staff who contribute to the universities and futures programme. The Directora Técnica plays a key role in supporting with Spanish university applications.

As a BSB member of staff you will also be expected to contribute towards helping to deliver the whole school strategic priorities. You will be expected to do anything reasonably required by the Headteacher and Principal.

1. Lead and coordinate the BSB City and BSB Castelldefels Futures team to provide and quality assure excellent university guidance and futures advice. (The majority time will be at the Castelldefels campus)
2. Line manage a dedicated assistant Futures Advisor and work closely with the Directora Técnica (expert on Spanish universities). Coordinate three further staff members who have a time allocation within the Futures team.
3. Support the professional development of the Futures team.
4. Develop and lead on the annual Futures Pathway programme across Years 10-13. To include dedicated support through the Y11 Options process, annual transition weeks, and the PSHE programme.
5. Lead on the annual university application cycle, including references and supporting documents. Maintain up-to-date records of student progress throughout the university application process.
6. Analyse university destination data and make informed improvements.
7. Lead and organise the Selective Admission Group for selective university pathways, including organisation of mock interview practise and admission tests.
8. Coordinate and lead on the university placements on results day for both IB and A Level candidates in July and August.
9. Organise a programme of workshops and university visits for students and parents to promote post-18 options across both campuses.
10. Lead on the annual Futures Festival and university fair.
11. Oversee the Unifrog platform.
12. Maintain and develop relationships with universities and employers to facilitate effective guidance and transition for students.
13. Facilitate access to work experience in the local setting.
14. Provide information, advice, guidance and coaching through 1-1 student and parent meetings to support with university and career choices.
15. Have an in-depth knowledge of competitive university admissions globally and attend relevant conferences and training as appropriate.
16. Be a visible, proactive member of the sixth form team, providing support to the two Heads of Year and team of twenty tutors as required.

Other responsibilities

• To continue your personal development and participate in the school’s staff development programme.
• To engage actively with the school’s performance management programme. To attend staff meetings, open evenings, and parents’ evenings.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the Nexus building, including duties and attending briefings.

To see a full job description, click here.

Who we are looking for: 

• Qualification: Degree level qualification
• Knowledge/experience: Experience in education. Knowledge of both IB, A Level and University entrance.

What we can offer you:

• A fantastic team of staff who are committed, supportive and collaborative.
• The wider support of BSB, including access to high level CPD and future career opportunities.
• The support of the Cognita network, including cross-school learning partnerships

All positions are offered with attractive packages including competitive salaries, places for staff children in BSB, and other local benefits.

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. Deadline for applications: 9am Friday 24th January 2025 (Spanish time). Interviews will be held in person in London or online during the week beginning 6th February 2025.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.