3 - 4 Month Contract With A local Authority
Main Purpose of the Job
The School Admissions Officer is responsible for administering children’s admissions to nursery, primary, and secondary schools for both standard entry points and in-year applications. The role supports the Bexley Selection Test process and assists in reviewing and implementing admissions policies and procedures.
The postholder ensures that school places are allocated in accordance with statutory requirements, Council policies, and relevant legislation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Administer annual processes and procedures for school applications, including coordination with schools that manage their own admissions.
* Produce accurate and clear information for parents and Head Teachers about school admissions, including guidance on statutory appeals.
* Enter applicant details on the pupil database, maintain records, and provide schools and colleagues with relevant information.
* Verify applicants’ eligibility for school places and ensure compliance with policy.
* Administer coordinated in-year application processes, ensuring children are placed promptly and monitored under the local Fair Access Protocol.
* Maintain up-to-date records of pupil numbers in each school year and identify school vacancies.
* Exchange application information with other local authorities and schools using Pan London document exchange, S2S, and secure email systems.
* Organize selection tests according to guidelines, including venue arrangements, test day logistics, invigilation, distribution/collection of materials, marking, and results processing.
* Support the selection review process.
* Prepare and present the Authority’s case for school admission appeals (with training to ensure competence and confidence).
* Handle correspondence, interviews, and telephone enquiries regarding admissions.
* Liaise with other teams within the Council on admission-related matters.
* Promote online applications for school places and maintain the Pan London application site with accurate local information.
* Monitor children without school places and make referrals as appropriate.
* Maintain the Council’s school admissions webpages.
* Be familiar with free school meal assessments, discretionary grants, and school travel assistance, and cover these areas as needed.
* Deliver the admissions service within set timescales and service standards, including managing complaints, conflicts, and exceptional cases.
* Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, case law, and Council policies regarding school admissions.
* Keep accurate records to allow rapid generation of statistical reports.
* Approach all duties with a customer-focused philosophy.
* Plan workload effectively and develop systems to manage all areas of responsibility.
* Undertake other duties as required, including covering for team members.
Requirements
* Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
* Higher education qualification (e.g., A-levels, diploma, or degree) in administration, education, or related field is desirable.
* Training in data management, IT systems, or administrative procedures is an advantage.
* Experience in school administration, local authority services, or education-related administration.
* Experience handling databases and information management systems.
* Experience dealing with the public, particularly parents, in a professional and customer-focused manner.
* Experience in preparing reports, statistical information, or case documentation.
* Experience with admissions processes, appeals, or similar procedures is desirable.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and Council policies relating to school admissions.
* Understanding of school admission policies, including coordinated admissions and Fair Access Protocols.
* Awareness of statutory appeals processes and selection tests.
* Knowledge of IT systems for data entry, management, and secure communication (e.g., S2S, Pan London systems).
Additional Information
* 36 Working Hours Per Week
* Bi-Weekly Payments