Preparing for Adulthood and Careers Lead
BCP Salary Band 10 SCP 33-38 (£44,075 - £49,282) actual salary based on 41 weeks £40,209, appointments will be made at the starting point of the salary range.
37 hours per week, term time only, 39 weeks (including inset day training), plus an additional 2 weeks per year (to be worked in August to support with exam results and preparation for the new academic year.)
On-site working, based at Linwood campus initially, with an expectation to travel to all campuses.
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Linwood School is an Ofsted graded Outstanding SEND school. We are an outward facing centre of excellence in the area. Our values speak of respect, support, inclusivity, positivity, harmony, excellence and responsibility, all underpinned by our actions and personal accountability.
We are seeking to appoint a Preparing for Adulthood & Careers Lead to lead, deliver and support our careers team and placement co-ordinators, to meet the requirements of the Gatsby Benchmark and ensure all students have access to independent advice and guidance for their next steps after leaving Linwood School. They will monitor the destination of students and report locally and more widely on student outcomes in terms of their destinations.
A genuine occupational requirement exists for the successful applicant to hold a full driving licence and hold business insurance for this purpose.
Key responsibilities
Provide comprehensive and at times complex information and guidance to young people and families to ensure a clear pathway to adulthood is established and life opportunities are improved.
Partner and build collaborative working relationships with other teams and over organisational boundaries and communities, regularly working in multi-agency and inter-professional settings, to ensure that children and families experience cohesive care and support that meets their needs.
Contribute to projects, programmes and strategic planning to inform and improve pathways for young people who have SEND across education, health and care, and monitor outcome to inform service improvement.
Lead on creating strategic pathways and processes following the corporate agenda for Preparing for Adulthood including engagement of multi-disciplinary professionals to ensure education, health and care pathways are available and accessible to service users.
Take professional, evidence based, risk-informed, complex decisions (in line with legislation, statutory guidance and council policies and procedures), to ensure actions taken are well-considered and have the best interests of the individual as their focus.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with employers and education providers in the BCP region, as well in the voluntary sector, to ensure that there is an up-to-date knowledge of current opportunities for education, training, volunteering and employment in the region.
Manage and appraise two separate teams to ensure that the service is meeting the statutory requirements and is adding value to students' experiences and outcomes.
Knowledge required
An understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and their impact on learning and behaviour.
Knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015, Equality Act 2010 and the Care Act 2014.
Knowledge of the National Careers Strategy, Gatsby Benchmarks, and Ofsted requirements.
Knowledge of employability skills in the context of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Experience of working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs and their EHCP’s.
Ability to influence and establish positive, productive working relationships with your immediate team as well as; pupils, parents, colleagues, businesses, and other professionals.
Ability to plan and organise your own workload and respond to reactive issues.
For any enquiries regarding your application please contact Teresa Brennan, Head of Campuses at teresabrennan@linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk
Interview date: w/c 2nd November 2026
Only fully completed application forms will be accepted.
We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date should suitable applications come through. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The role is subject to a 6-month mandatory probation during which there is an expectation that all new colleagues attend on-site Monday training sessions to enhance their work in school and their skill levels. A list of training dates and topics is provided upon commencement.
For further information about our school and the different needs of our students, please refer to our website where you will find information about each of our campuses: www.linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk
In addition to the benefits provided by BCP Council, Linwood School also provides:
Safeguarding Commitment
Linwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and an overseas criminal record check if they have lived or worked outside the UK in the past 10 years. Employment offers are also subject to satisfactory references, health assessments, and right-to-work checks. All Linwood School staff are expected to adhere to our policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding and child protection, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the schools Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.
Commitment to Diversity
At Linwood School, we take pride in being an equal opportunities employer that champions a diverse workforce. We actively seek and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, recognising that a rich tapestry of experiences enhances our ability to support our diverse student population. Our commitment to diversity not only fosters a sense of belonging but also strengthens the learning environment for everyone involved.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. If the role is exempt, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed, and if they are disclosed, we cannot take them into account.
