Director of Admissions

Summary:

Director of Admissions sought to lead recruitment strategy at a leading UK school.

About the School:

A school with a long-standing tradition of excellence, located in the Surrey Hills, offers a vibrant, co-educational environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth. It combines a strong sense of community with a forward-thinking approach to education.

The Opportunity:

The Director of Admissions will play a key role in shaping the future of the school by leading a bold and strategic approach to pupil recruitment across the full 3–18 age range. This is a high-impact position that requires a visionary leader with the ability to inspire and grow a dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive admissions strategy that aligns with the school’s values and long-term goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, feeder schools, and agents to enhance the school’s profile and reach.
• Lead and manage a team of eight, providing guidance and support to ensure a consistently exceptional admissions experience.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform recruitment decisions and measure the impact of initiatives.
• Represent the school as a key ambassador, both internally and externally, promoting its unique strengths and ethos.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align admissions efforts with the school’s overall vision and strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and safeguarding requirements in all aspects of the admissions process.
• Oversee the management of the admissions process, including interviews, visits, and offer-making procedures.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in admissions leadership within the education sector or a related field.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen with a track record of delivering measurable growth.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, with a focus on collaboration and high performance.
• Strong understanding of the independent boarding school market and current recruitment trends.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection, with the ability to meet all relevant legal requirements.

Preferred

• Experience in marketing or business development, particularly within the education sector.
• Data-led mindset with the ability to analyze and interpret admissions data to inform decision-making.
• Experience working in a multi-site or international educational environment.
• Knowledge of admissions software and digital tools for managing the recruitment process.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary in the region of £80,000–£90,000 per annum.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous leave entitlements and professional development opportunities.