Progression Lead: Higher Education

Help our students navigate their journey toward a world-class future.

Durham Sixth Form Centre is recruiting an exceptional Progression Lead: Higher Education to join our Platinum-standard team. Joining the Providence Learning Partnership means working in a nationally recognised, high-performing environment where innovation and student success are our driving forces. We want a specialist who can inspire high aspirations and deliver with precision, managing complex application cycles while championing inclusive success for every young person. If you are ready to make a profound difference in a department that has held a national reputation for excellence for over a decade, your next chapter starts here.

What Makes This Role Exciting?

• Champion Elite Progression: Lead on high-level progression strategies, including applications to our most ambitious pathways.
• Innovative Engagement: Coordinate and facilitate high-level enrichment, masterclasses, and external partnerships that bring the worlds of higher education and professional industries directly to our students.
• Dedicated Student Advocacy: Act as a specialist advocate for students, providing expert 1:1 guidance and tailored interventions that bridge the gap between academic potential and successful transition.
• Outstanding National Reputation: Join an ‘Outstanding’ school with a national reputation for excellence, holding the Quality in Careers Standard for over a decade and the Investors in People: Platinum award.

We are looking for someone who:

• Inspires High Aspirations: Has the vision to inspire both students and colleagues, fostering a culture where ‘reaching high’ is the standard.
• Navigates Complex Pathways: Possesses a deep understanding of the UCAS process, competitive admissions tests and the evolving landscape of higher-level apprenticeships.
• Delivers with Precision: Displays exceptional organisational skills in managing complex application cycles, large-scale events and detailed student data.
• Builds Strategic Partnerships: Develops professional relationships with elite universities, corporate partners, families and staff to create a seamless network of support.
• Communicates with Impact: Can present with clarity and confidence to large groups while maintaining the empathy and listening skills required for sensitive 1:1 guidance.
• Promotes Inclusive Success: Shares our unwavering belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to access the very best progression routes.

Why choose us?

• Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation. 
• We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
• Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
• Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.

Why this role?

This is not a maintenance role. We are looking for a leader who wants to ‘step up’ – someone who is excited by the prospect of our first FE Ofsted inspection and wants to help us design a vision that is fit for the future. In return for you bringing your A-game, we offer a united leadership environment where you will be mentored, challenged and developed for the next stage of your career.

Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as a Progression Lead. Support and inspire the next generation of post-16 students in a nationally recognised, high-performing sixth form. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.

How to Apply

Next Steps: We look forward to receiving your application. Please ensure you submit both the Application Form and a Letter of Application (no more than 1,000 words). You can find the relevant downloads and the submission link at the top of this page.

Contact: Should you wish to discuss the role or arrange a visit, contact Lee Bone, Vice Principal, lee.bone@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk

Durham Sixth Form Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.