North London Collegiate School (Singapore) seeks a Senior School Social and Emotional Guidance Counsellor
Effective start date: August 2027
NLCS (Singapore) opened in August 2020, joining the NLCS family of schools.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before any deadline dates if a suitable candidate is found.
Proposed interview dates: TBC
Closing date for Applications: 22 October 2026
Job Overview
The Senior School Social and Emotional Guidance Counsellors provide high-quality, student-centred social, emotional and wellbeing support to students in Senior School. Working as part of the wider counselling and pastoral team, the role provides additional capacity to respond to the developmental, emotional and social needs of students during the important transition into and through early adolescence.
The Senior School Social and Emotional Guidance Counsellors will provide evidence-informed counselling, early intervention, and preventative support, working in close collaboration with pastoral leaders, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) team, teaching staff, families, and external specialists. They will also partner with the broader Social and Educational Guidance Counselling team to manage student transitions and maintain balanced caseloads, accommodating cross-grade case reassignments when necessary (e.g., in instances of high-risk imbalances or conflicts of interest).
The role contributes to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment in which students are able to develop emotional awareness, resilience, positive relationships and the skills to navigate challenges successfully.
The Senior School Social and Emotional Guidance Counsellors operate within the school's safeguarding, confidentiality, referral and escalation procedures and policies and will clearly recognise the boundaries between school-based counselling, safeguarding and external clinical provision.
This job description serves as a flexible framework and may be adapted to align with the skills of the appointed candidate, with future modifications made through mutual consultation between the post holder and school leadership.
The ideal candidate will hold a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree in Counselling (or a related field) alongside specialised therapeutic qualifications in working with children and young people. Applicants must possess a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience supporting children and adolescents in school or mental health settings, backed by a deep understanding of youth developmental, emotional, social, and educational needs. Furthermore, the candidate will demonstrate cultural responsiveness across diverse backgrounds and a strong working knowledge of relevant child safeguarding legislation.
About NLCS (Singapore)
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is an academically ambitious and selective school rooted in the traditions of NLCS (UK) and shaped by our international context. Opened in 2020, the School is now an established and vibrant Junior and Senior School community.
We are continuing to build on our strong foundations, strengthening our curriculum, student experience and intellectual culture. Our teachers are passionate subject specialists who bring expertise, enthusiasm and individuality to their teaching. Academic ambition sits alongside exceptional pastoral care and a rich programme of opportunities beyond the classroom, enabling students to flourish academically, personally and socially.
The NLCS Ethos
We believe in the transformative power of an ambitious education. Students are encouraged to be intellectually curious, question assumptions, pursue ideas independently and develop the confidence to think for themselves. Exceptional teaching, joyful scholarship and continuous improvement are central to our academic culture.
At the same time, everyone matters: we seek to know our students well and create a caring, inclusive community in which every individual can flourish. A broad programme of sport, music, drama, service, leadership, clubs, societies and academic enrichment enables students to discover new interests, develop their talents and contribute to the wider community.
The Curriculum
Our curriculum is academically ambitious, intellectually rich and designed to encourage students to think beyond the immediate requirements of their courses. Strong subject knowledge and disciplinary expertise are complemented by opportunities to make connections, pursue individual interests and apply learning in new contexts.
We take a deliberate, age-appropriate approach to technology. In the earlier years, learning is deliberately less reliant on devices, with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, discussion, practical experiences and sustained attention. As students progress through the School, technology is introduced where it adds genuine value, with 1:1 devices supporting students in the IB Diploma Programme and enabling them to work independently, collaborate effectively and engage with the demands of their courses. The taught curriculum is enriched through lectures, societies, competitions, research and independent projects, providing students with opportunities to extend their learning and engage deeply with their interests.
The NLCS Family of Schools
Founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, NLCS (UK) has a long tradition of academic ambition, intellectual curiosity and independent thought. The NLCS family now includes schools in the UK, Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and Kobe.
Each school reflects its own international context while sharing a commitment to academic excellence, outstanding teaching, exceptional pastoral care and rich opportunities beyond the classroom.
Life in Singapore
Singapore is a safe, cosmopolitan and internationally connected city, offering an exceptional quality of life and easy access to the wider region. As a global centre for technology, education, business and innovation, Singapore provides a stimulating environment for teachers and an outstanding base from which to explore Asia.
How to Apply
Contract term: Initial three-year contract
Contract type: Fixed term
Applications must include:
• A completed NLCS application form
• A full CV
• A cover letter addressed to Ms. Sophie Davies, Vice Principal (Safeguarding and Inclusion, DSL), outlining your suitability for the role
Applications submitted outside of the applicant tracking system will not be considered.
All shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their teaching and references will be taken prior to interview.
Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Safeguarding Statement
NLCS (Singapore) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct in line with our safeguarding policies.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate, which will include the following:
- Competitive salary
- Initial three year contract
- Accommodation
- Relocation costs
- Annual return flights to home country
- Health insurance
- Tuition fees for eligible children