Job Title:                    University Counsellor

Employment Type:      Full Time

Start Date:                   1st August 2026

WELCOME TO SCIE – STRIVING TO BE THE BEST:

• University Counsellor
• Enjoy supporting students who want to learn at the highest level 
• Quality of life matters – 6 periods of “Personal Time” per week
• Fully CIS & WASC accredited school founded in 2003

Position Profile:

• UK/US counselling experience preferred
• Minimum 2 years counselling experience in the relevant area
• Ability to counsel high achieving students targeting at Top US&UK universities
• A degree in your area of expertise  
• College Counselling qualifications (US college counselling certification & British Council certification or equivalents)

Specific Responsibilities of University Counsellor:

• To work with A1 & A2 (US equivalent: Grades 11-12/12-13) students one-on-one on developing their university applications (assisting the students in providing expert Personal Statement/application essay advice, assisting the students with SCIE AL/AP course options, etc.).
• To work with G1 students one-on-one on initially preparing and developing their future university goals and objectives. This would involve setting a four-year plan that can move forward into G2 & A1 classes and further one-on-one meetings.
• To create and conduct university application “enrichment” and PSHE classes for students in G2 & A1 (US equivalent: Grades 9-11/10-12).
•  To regularly assess student performance, provide constructive feedback through a system of referral comments, and work with students to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement in the student/Counsellor relationship.
• To collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, sharing best practices and resources, including results from Counsellor-attended CPD (webinars, conferences, university visits, courses, etc.).
• To form a relationship with student parents and attend parent-Counsellor meetings and events.
• To work with students on building official School Lists that encompass safety, target, and reach school options.
• To send all documents to multiple countries and follow SCIE guidelines, policies, and deadlines regarding multiple applications.

Brief Description of SCIE:

UK curriculum high school (Cambridge International AS/AL & IGCSE) teaching through the medium of English to mainly Chinese students preparing for overseas universities.

We also run an AP stream since 2025, hence there are some opportunities for teachers interested in AP teaching in various subjects.

The mission of the College is to educate Students in a Challenging, International Environment leading to academic achievement at the highest level, and to develop Social responsibility, Creativity, Independence and Enthusiasm, providing each student with the best preparation for future opportunities.

• Highly selective – English and Mathematics admissions tests
• Medium of instruction & communication – AS/AL English, with students functioning at first language level, mostly studying AS/AL English language or literature in A1/A2
• 2000 students, High School only – UK Key Stages 4 & 5
• Accreditation – Fully accredited by Council of International Schools (CIS) & WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges in US) and regional members of FOBISIA & EARCOS
• Examinations – AS/AL, IGCSE (Cambridge International and AQA), and AP (College Board)
• Day & boarding school – teachers are not involved in boarding facility nor have evening or night duties
• Founded in 2003

University and Careers Office Introduction：

The University and Careers Office (UCO) is a friendly and professional team that is committed to preparing students for life beyond SCIE. In 2025-2026, we are a team of 18:2 designated UCO secretaries and 16 counsellors, including the Head of UCO, the Head of Regional University Applications (North America), and the Head of Regional University Applications (UK, Europe, and Asia/Australia).

At SCIE, at least 70% of our students apply to the UK through UCAS, and almost half of them apply to the US. Most students apply to multiple destinations, including Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. SCIE students have very high university aspirations. They work zealously to achieve impressive and deserving admissions results, including G5s in the UK, the Ivy League and other highly competitive US and overseas universities. With 41 Oxbridge offers in 2025 and 30 per year since 2019, SCIE has consistently ranked first in China in offers from the two universities. According to the Telegraph, between 2018 and 2024, SCIE has sent the highest number of students to Imperial College London (UK) amongst all schools, including UK ones. The positive attitude, commitment and calibre of the students make them a joy to work with in the University and Careers Office.

As a University Counsellor, you will be guiding and counselling a maximum caseload of 38 A2 (Y 12-13) students through their applications and also being involved in all the other three year groups in their university exploration and planning. The majority of your work is 1:1 university counselling with G1s, A1s and A2s, but you will also be expected to teach the G-level enrichment classes and A1 university preparation lessons.

We are looking for candidates with experience supporting students who come from a highly selective education background, while following the British curriculum and aspiring to attend prestigious overseas universities. The ability to facilitate university preparation sessions and an understanding of the Chinese context will be added advantages.

Student:

• Highly motivated academic students
• Students complete IGCSE exams at end of G2, and then go on to 5/6 subjects at AS, and 4/5 at AL (including English) or follow an AP curriculum
• Average international exam results, typically grade A/A* across school
• 41 Oxbridge offers and over 90% students applying to UK achieve offers from top 10 universities in 2025 cohort
• US university offers including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, Cornell
• Students achieve success across range of subjects including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Science and Mathematics
• Class size maximum 26 at IGCSE and 24 at AS/A Level
• Huge range of ECAs with over 200 clubs, both staff led and student led

Schedule：

• Working week: Monday – Friday 07:50 – 16:40 (with 07:30 start Mondays and early finish 15:00 Fridays). Each Counsellor is also expected to work one “late day” per week, choosing to finish later on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (chosen by the counsellor. On those days, a later start is available.
• Normal contact teaching time – 24 x 40-minute periods per week (approx. 50% timetable)
• Personal time – 6 periods per week fixed in timetable when do not need to be at work
• Extra-Curricular Activity – 1 hour per week ECA after school (16:30 – 17:30)
• CPD – large range of professional development available both online and face-to-face.
• Holidays – 1 week for October China National Day holiday, 2 weeks Christmas holiday, 3 weeks Chinese New Year holiday, Chinese public holidays, mid-June to early August Summer holiday

Benefits：

• Published fixed salary scale (reviewed annually) based on years of teaching experience and annual progression at SCIE
• School provided accommodation (Expat apartments adjacent to campus)
• Full international medical cover (self + 1 dependent)
• Annual flight allowance (self + 1 dependent)
• Dedicated staff gym in campus

Application Process:

Apply by letter with CV to jobs@scie.com.cn

We undertake a straightforward and involved selection process. Applicants can expect to have 2 rounds of interviews, 1st round interview with the Department Head and the 2nd round interview with the Principal Team.

SCIE is committed to creating a safe environment for students. All applicants are required to comply with our child-protection guidelines for application. References will be taken up including direct contact with your current, or most recent employer for a safeguarding reference check and to confirm clearance from contract commitment. Please note that no offer will be made until the background check is complete.

Please find more information for our school on the official website：

https://www.scie.com.cn