Head of Careers / Senior Tutor - Full-time

Woodpecker Court, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-7916-43T
• Posted:11/02/2026
• Pay:Salary based upon experience
• Start Date:TBC
• App Close Date:27/02/2026 at 14:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Woodpecker Court is an Ofsted Outstanding Specialist Post‑16 Provider offering a unique setting for young people aged 16–24 who thrive outside mainstream education. With academic learning, hands‑on vocational opportunities and a nurturing, values‑driven ethos, we help students build confidence, resilience and ambition.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Careers / Senior Tutor to lead our careers provision and deliver high‑quality guidance alongside tutoring functional skills and vocational qualifications. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, organised and student‑focused professional who wants to shape positive futures.

About the Role
You will manage the provision careers programme, ensuring every student receives impartial information, advice and guidance about education, training and employment. You will build links with FE colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers and universities, creating inspiring encounters and progression opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage the school’s careers programme
• Provide impartial 1:1 and group careers guidance and support students with action plans.
• Organise careers events, employer encounters, FE/HE visits and work‑experience opportunities.
• Maintain destination data, careers resources and website content.
• Build strong partnerships with external providers and employers.
• Teach well‑structured lessons and monitor student progress.
• Promote Woodpecker Court’s values and contribute to wider school life.
• Maintain high expectations for behaviour, safety and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, SLT, SENCO and external agencies.

Person Specification

• Qualified Tutor/Teacher with successful experience
• Level 6 CEIAG qualification
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong safeguarding and behaviour‑management knowledge
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and partners
• Good ICT skills, including MIS systems
• Committed to student success and the ethos of Woodpecker Court
• Organised, enthusiastic, resilient and able to manage varied demands
• Willing to engage in ongoing professional development

What We Offer
A unique and inspiring setting, a supportive values‑driven team, opportunities for meaningful impact, and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Safeguarding Statement
Woodpecker Court is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, two references, identity and qualification checks, and online searches in line with KCSIE. Providing false or misleading information may result in the withdrawal of an offer. 

How to Apply
Please complete and return the application form to Dawn Fisher at personnel@woodpeckercourt.com.

Please note: In line with our safeguarding procedures, we cannot accept CVs alone.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications.

Information about the school

Woodpecker Court is a specialist education provider with designated Post-16 status, proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted. We offer a distinctive and inspiring educational environment for young people aged 16–24 who flourish outside of mainstream education.

Our holistic approach integrates academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences in a safe and tranquil countryside setting. We are committed to nurturing each student as an individual, tailoring our support to meet diverse needs and fostering personal growth, resilience, and ambition.

Located in a rural area, Woodpecker Court provides a calm, secure, and welcoming atmosphere where students and staff work together to maintain a strong sense of community. We believe that every learner deserves a personalised pathway to success, and we adapt our practices to ensure each student is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to sustain their onward destination beyond education. Curriculum Offer

Our Post-16 curriculum includes vocational courses in Occupational Studies, Land-Based Studies, Animal Care, Animal Management, Catering and Hair & Beauty.

These are delivered alongside core subjects such as Functional Skills in English, Maths, and Digital Skills, as well as PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood (PFA).

Woodpecker Court’s unique setting features extensive woodlands, a working farm, workshops, and outdoor classrooms that enrich the educational experience. Our curriculum is designed to blend practical learning with academic development, underpinned by a strong community ethos and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

We are dedicated to helping every student realise their full potential and transition into fulfilling, independent futures.

To learn more about Woodpecker Court please view our promotional video - https://www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk/promovideo

Job Contact Information

• Name:Dawn Fisher
• Address:45 Wigmore Lane, Eythorne, Dover, Kent, CT15 4BF
• Telephone: 01304 830958
• Email: personnel@woodpeckercourt.com

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job description
• Job applicant privacy notice