We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking professional to lead our admissions department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background in admissions and a passion for building positive relationships with families and young people.
The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of our admissions process, from first enquiry through to enrolment, ensuring that every family’s experience reflects the values and ethos of the school. You will bring strategic insight, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine understanding of the needs and expectations of parents and pupils.
We are looking for someone who combines warmth and professionalism with a sharp eye for detail, strong organisational skills, and the confidence to represent the school with authenticity and care.
The ideal candidate will be an authentic advocate for girls’ education and for the St Swithun’s ethos and values, with demonstrable experience in thoughtful stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
The head of admissions reports directly to the headmistress and plays a key role in the marketing and admissions of the school, delivering a positive year‑round experience for prospective families. The postholder is supported by a team of four colleagues, each with their own areas of responsibility and expertise, and works closely with colleagues across the school, including the marketing team, prep school registrar, senior leadership team, bursar and finance team, and academic and boarding staff.
The successful candidate will be culturally competent and able to develop and nurture excellent relationships with prospective parents, feeder schools and agents. They will ensure that the admissions pathway is an affirming, constructive, and rewarding experience for each student and the adults supporting them.
Experience & Qualifications
* Proven experience in admissions or a related role within education, ideally in an independent school.
* Familiarity with UKVI Child Student Visa requirements (desirable).
* Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Skills & Abilities
* Strong strategic and analytical skills to develop and implement effective recruitment strategies.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building positive relationships with parents, pupils, agents, feeder schools, and colleagues.
* Organised self‑starter, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Confident public speaker, able to represent the school at events and deliver presentations.
* Competent with CRM and school management systems (Metis &iSAMS desirable).
Personal Qualities
* Approachable and professional, able to make families feel welcomed and valued.
* Culturally competent, with awareness of domestic and international communities.
* Passionate advocate for girls’ education and St Swithun’s ethos.
* Resilient, discreet, and able to maintain confidentiality.
Leadership & Strategic Attributes
* Ability to analyse market trends and sector developments to inform strategy.
* Skilled in stakeholder engagement and building long‑term partnerships.
* Forward‑thinking and proactive, with the ability to lead and develop a team and improve admissions processes.
This is a permanent full‑time position, based at the school; some travel within the UK and overseas will be required. The usual hours of work will be 08.30 to 17.00 (with a half hour unpaid lunch break), Monday to Friday. The postholder is expected to work flexibly as required for the role including some evening and weekend working.
The salary for this role will reflect the skills and experience of the successful candidate and will be benchmarked against other department lead roles across the school.
The closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 17 November 2025. Applications must be submitted on the online school application form (CVs will not be accepted as an alternative).
For any queries about the role or the application process, please contact the HR Department by telephone: 01962 835798 or email: recruitment@stswithuns.com.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries: Education Administration Programs
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