Full-Time | Permanent | Proposed January 2026 start date
About the School - Akeley Wood Senior & Tile House
Akeley Wood School is a dynamic and friendly place to work with opportunities for professional development. We educate around 700 children across three campuses and have a progressive approach to teaching and learning. We strive for a holistic education at Akeley Wood and achieve this through the supportive environment and diverse breadth of learning and development within our School.
We look to recruit high calibre staff committed to achieving the highest standards and to actively take part in the school life.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Admissions Manager to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 21 countries, across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.
About the role
As Admissions Manager at Akeley Wood School, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the first impressions and experiences of prospective families. You will lead and manage the full admissions journey – from initial enquiry through to enrolment – ensuring every parent and child feels welcomed, informed, and supported.
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will drive student recruitment by building strong relationships, delivering engaging conversion events, and ensuring a seamless, professional admissions process. This is a dynamic and fast-paced role that blends strategy, relationship management, and hands-on delivery. You will also be a key ambassador for the school, representing Akeley Wood with warmth, confidence, and professionalism in both the local and international community.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking a highly motivated, personable, and commercially astute individual with proven experience in customer-focused roles, ideally within admissions, sales, or service-driven environments. You will be confident in building strong relationships, skilled in managing data and processes, and able to balance a busy workload with precision and attention to detail.
This role will suit someone who:
* Has significant experience in admissions, marketing or customer facing roles, preferably within the independent school sector.
* Can bring strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing priorities.
* Brings excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
* Is an outstanding communicator who can connect with people at all levels with warmth, tact, and professionalism.
* Has experience of CRM systems and is confident using digital platforms.
* Demonstrates commercial awareness and and can analyse data to inform decision making.
* Thrives in a collaborative environment, while being able to operate independently with influence and confidence.
Above all, you will embody our school values, bring genuine energy and enthusiasm for working with people, and be excited to help families choose Akeley Wood for their child's education.
If you are ready to bring your expertise and drive to lead our admissions journey and make a meaningful impact in a thriving, forward thinking school, we would love to hear from you.
This is a permanent, full-time role with a proposed January 2026 start date.
Benefits at Cognita:
* Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
* Aviva Pension Scheme
* Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave
* Access to My Staff Shop - £1,000's of savings to be made across the year
* Cycle to Work scheme, operated through My Staff Shop
* 24/7 wellbeing support through Cognita Care First, our Employee Assistance Program
* Free school lunches
* A discount on fees for children at Akeley Wood School.Free lunch provided during Term Time
* Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 19/10/2025
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.