Can you be an effective counsellor if you’re also head of sixth form?

As a head of sixth form, I find that the demands of the role can be relentless. Between leadership responsibilities, teaching commitments and pastoral care, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day – let alone time to carve out space for effective university counselling.

Perhaps the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my own counselling journey is providing full and robust university support with a limited time and budget. However, through trial and error, I’ve developed some strategies that have helped me maximise my impact.

Here’s a guide to help you overcome the time crunch and create a strong university counselling programme despite a busy schedule.

1. Harness staff expertise

Look around. Chances are you have talented staff with university application experience in their subject areas or home countries. Reach out to colleagues who have enthusiasm and relevant knowledge, and create a voluntary university counselling team.

Invest some time in training these colleagues on the key aspects of the application process, including Ucas personal statements, writing effective references and university interview techniques. This team can then offer support to students as well, increasing the overall capacity for individualised guidance.

2. Empower your tutors

Sixth-form tutors are already deeply invested in the lives of their students. Integrate university counselling elements into their existing coaching and mentoring meetings.

Train tutors on how to guide students through self-discovery exercises that clarify goals and identities – crucial steps before diving into specific universities. Encourage them to ask probing questions that spark internal dialogue, helping students develop a clear sense of direction, rather than just fixating on a particular university.

Provide your tutors with training on how to conduct effective coaching or mentoring meetings with a university counselling focus. Teach them techniques for helping students to clarify goals and identities, and encourage exploration of a range of potential pathways rather than a single destination.

Equip tutors with resources to guide critical thinking, such as prompts for discussion and reflection exercises.

3. Maximise communication

By complementing your university counselling team with empowered tutors, you can significantly increase the teacher-student contact time dedicated to university and career discussions. This fosters a collaborative environment where students feel supported in finding their best-fit university and career path.

4. Develop a system

Create a university research and application programme within existing personal, social, and health education lessons. Use physical task packs and online platforms, such as UniFrog. This allows students to systematically research universities and courses, build strong applications and meet application deadlines.

Train your tutors on how to use these resources effectively, and how to guide students through the research and application process.

5. Manage time effectively

Don’t be shy about advocating for your needs. Communicate your system and processes clearly to the senior leadership team. Ensure that they understand the time and workload involved for you, your team and the tutors. Highlight the importance of this support network for student success, and provide case studies and data to illustrate the benefits of the system.

Push for off-timetable days for you and all the key staff involved in university counselling. These dedicated days allow you to catch up on unfinished tasks, conduct workshops and prioritise student needs. This could also include time for well-being activities, such as meditation and breathing techniques, to manage the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities.

6. Collaborate with colleagues

Remember: comprehensive university counselling provision doesn’t have to rest solely on your shoulders. By fostering collaboration and making the most of the expertise in your school, you can create a system that empowers staff and students alike. This approach ensures that you have the time and resources needed to effectively guide your students towards their next exciting chapter.

And never underestimate the power of collaboration. Connect with heads of sixth forms at other schools. Share your experiences, exchange ideas and learn from each other. Together, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible support as they embark on their university journey.