Role: University Guidance CounsellorReporting to: Director of Upper SeniorStart Time: August 2026Role OverviewThe University Guidance Counsellor leads and coordinates post-secondary guidance across the whole school (Years 7–13), with structured input into the Primary School to build early aspiration, academic ambition and long-term university readiness.A central expectation of this role is to actively guide and encourage students and parents to target top global universities, particularly highly selective institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States. The post holder is expected to provide expert, strategic guidance that aligns curriculum choices, enrichment, admissions testing and application planning with the expectations of leading global universities.The role requires full professional proficiency in both English and Chinese (Mandarin) and extensive, proven expertise in UK and US university admissions, alongside strong working knowledge of Canadian, Singaporean and Hong Kong systems. The University Guidance Counsellor also holds responsibility for coordinating admissions testing preparation and retake strategies, ensuring students meet competitive entry requirements.Key Responsibilities1. Whole-School Guidance and Aspirational CultureLead and implement a whole-school university guidance framework (Years 7–13) that is aspirational, academically rigorous and clearly aligned to top global university pathways.Provide structured input into the Primary School, focusing on:Early academic aspirationCuriosity, scholarship and learning habitsAwareness of future global university pathwaysPromote a school-wide culture where students and parents are encouraged to aim for highly selective global universities, particularly in the UK and USA, while maintaining informed and realistic guidance.2. Individual Guidance and Academic PlanningProvide 1:1 university guidance and counselling, particularly in Years 9–13, with a strong focus on:Competitive course and university selectionStrategic positioning for top UK and US universitiesUnderstanding entry requirements, competitiveness and differentiationSupport academic planning and subject selection, including:Year 9 pathway decisionsIGCSE/GCSE → A Level pathways, aligned with selective university requirementsMonitor students’ academic profiles against published university requirements, identifying gaps early and advising on corrective strategies.Work closely with Mentors, Heads of House and academic leaders to ensure long-term academic decisions support elite university outcomes.3. Highly Selective University ApplicationsLead and manage applications to top global universities, including:United Kingdom (UCAS) – including Oxbridge and highly competitive UK coursesUnited States (Common Application) – including selective and highly selective institutionsCanada, Singapore and Hong Kong, where appropriatePrepare and quality-assure all official application documentation, including:Academic transcriptsUniversity guidance counsellor referencesSchool profilePredicted gradesMid-year and final reportsCoordinate teacher references and predicted grades with the Director of Upper Senior and Heads of Department to ensure applications meet the expectations of top-tier universities.Track and analyse destination outcomes to inform future strategy, with a clear focus on top global university acceptances.4. Admissions Testing Preparation and CoordinationLead the end-to-end preparation of students for all required university admissions tests, including:IELTSSAT / ACTAny additional subject-specific or regional admissions tests as requiredCoordinate in-school and external test preparation sessions, including:Liaison with approved test-preparation providersScheduling sessions aligned with student timetables and application cyclesClear communication with students and parents regarding expectations, timelines and outcomesAdvise students and families on:Target scores required for top global universities, particularly in the UK and USAStrategic planning for first sittings and retakes5. Retakes and Academic AlignmentMaintain awareness of student retake needs where these may be required to support competitive university entry, including IELTS / SAT and GCSE (or equivalent) retakes where appropriate.Liaise closely with academic leaders, the Exams Officer and parents to ensure that retake decisions are academically appropriate, aligned with university goals, and supported by clear planning, scheduling and communication.Coordinate with the Exams Officer regarding entry deadlines, administrative processes and examination logistics, so that all retakes are managed efficiently and in line with school procedures.6. Enrichment, Profile Building and DifferentiationCurate and promote enrichment opportunities that strengthen applications to top universities, including:Academic competitionsResearch programmesSummer schools at leading universitiesWork experience aligned to competitive coursesGuide students in developing distinctive academic and co-curricular profiles suitable for elite admissions systems.7. Parent Engagement and LeadershipWork closely with parents to raise expectations and understanding of competitive global admissions, particularly for UK and US universities.Deliver parent workshops, information evenings and individual consultations in English and Chinese.Support staff CPD related to reference writing, predicted grades and supporting students targeting top global universities.8. Careers Education and AwarenessPromote awareness of careers education amongst students and parents through a range of whole-school and targeted initiatives, including:careers-related events for students and parentsmentor sessions with career related resourcesschool displays and information boardsassemblies and presentationsguest speakers, university representatives and industry talksSupport the development of a school culture in which careers education is visible, accessible and linked clearly to students’ academic choices, university pathways and future aspirations.9. Resources, Data and ReportingMaintain a high-quality digital university guidance hub with a strong focus on UK and US admissions systems.Track and analyse destination data, admissions test outcomes and retake success to inform strategic planning.Ensure data protection, confidentiality and compliance with school policy.10. Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Professional StandardsProvide a supportive, student-centred guidance service while maintaining high academic expectations.Ensure equitable access to competitive pathways and appropriate adjustments where required.Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, confidentiality and professional standards at all times.11. Additional DutiesSupport or lead relevant academic enrichment or co-curricular activities.Participate in school trips or residential programmes where appropriate.Be available on campus from mid-August each year in preparation for the academic year.Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Director of Upper Senior or Senior Leadership Team.Essential Skills and ExperienceFluent professional proficiency in both English and Chinese (Mandarin).Extensive, proven expertise in UK and US university admissions, including highly selective institutions.Strong working knowledge of Canadian, Singaporean and Hong Kong admissions systems.Proven experience preparing students for and coordinating admissions tests, including IELTS, SAT and ACT.Demonstrated experience managing retake strategies, including GCSE retakes, to meet university entry requirements.Proven ability to drive ambition and outcomes towards top global universities.Excellent organisational, communication and data-management skills.Safeguarding and ComplianceThis post is subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including international background checks and references from previous countries of residence.SPGS International School Chengdu is committed to ensuring and promoting the health and safety of children. Successful applicants will:1. Participate in the school's regular training on child protection, and sign the code of conduct2. Immediately report to the designated or acting safeguarding lead for any potential risks for the children3. Strictly abide by the school's policies on information confidentiality and protection4. Play the role of safeguarding members to promote and ensure the health and safety development of all students in the school5. Report any students concerns to the designated or acting safeguarding lead6. Report any unsafe behavior on campus to the designated or acting safety lead in accordance with the school's "whistle blowing" policyMaintain a professional relationship with students and respect and maintain personal boundariesSPGS International School Chengdu is committed to safe recruitment and child protection, relevant qualifications and police clearance of applicants will be verifiedWhilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities for the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified, especially in the context of a school which requires flexibility in all of its employees.This job description is current at the date shown but, in consultation with the post holder, may be changed by the principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.