Head of Admissions

The Head of Admissions is responsible for the effective management and day-to-day running of the Admissions Office. Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the post holder will ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of pupil recruitment and admissions, delivering an exceptional experience for prospective families and feeder schools. The Head of Admissions will manage and motivate the Admissions team to deliver an efficient, professional and welcoming admissions journey, ensuring all processes and communications reflect the values and high standards of the school. To manage and deliver the pupil admissions process from first enquiry through to enrolment, ensuring that agreed recruitment targets are met and that all families experience a first‑class admissions journey.

Key elements of the role include:

• Operational leadership of the Admissions function, including planning, data management and delivery against recruitment objectives.
• Oversight of all admissions processes to ensure they are efficient, compliant and aligned with school policy.
• Supporting the Director of Engagement in implementing the overall admissions and marketing strategy, including feeder school engagement and events.
• Leading, motivating and developing the Admissions team to deliver excellence in service and outcomes.
• Work with Director of Engagement to develop and deliver international pupil recruitment strategy.

Duties

• Line manage, support and develop the Admissions team.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Admissions team, ensuring effective workload management and delivery against deadlines and objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of admissions plans and targets as agreed with the Director of Engagement.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget in line with agreed objectives.
• Produce regular admissions reports and management information for the Director of Engagement and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements relating to admissions, including the maintenance of accurate Admission and Attendance Registers.
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including feeder schools and partner organisations.

• Manage and continually refine all admissions and scholarship processes.
• Oversee the organisation and delivery of entrance assessments, scholarships and other admissions events supported by the Events Officer.
• Liaise with feeder schools and families regarding applications, scholarship results and entry procedures.
• Conduct interviews with prospective pupils and parents as required.
• Monitor and analyse admissions data and trends, providing reports and recommendations to the Director of Engagement.
• Manage compliance on visa and immigration, regulatory inspections and reporting.
• Ensure the admissions database is accurately maintained, GDPR and UKVI compliant.
• Liaise closely with academic and pastoral colleagues to ensure a smooth transition for new pupils.
• Work with the Bursar’s Office on financial aspects of admissions, including deposits and fees.

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Engagement and the Marketing and Communications team to ensure consistent messaging and effective promotion of the school.
• Support the implementation of the feeder schools’ engagement strategy and outreach events.
• Work with Head of Marketing and Communications to develop marketing campaigns to support pupil recruitment in key international markets.
• Provide accurate admissions data to support marketing analysis and targeted campaigns.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the annual admissions calendar and associated communications.
• Provide content updates for admissions‑related sections of the school website and other materials.

• Report to the Director of Engagement on admissions performance, issues and opportunities.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of independent school admissions trends and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across all departments to ensure an integrated and positive admissions experience.
• Be fully informed about the school’s academic, pastoral and co‑curricular offer.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Director of Engagement or Headmaster.

• Excellent knowledge of the independent education sector is essential, ideally within a boarding context.
• Experience of school‑based (or higher/further education) admissions and administrative procedures is highly desirable.
• Educated to degree level.
• Strong understanding of customer service principles and relationship management in an educational setting.

• Proven experience managing or supervising a team in a busy, customer‑focused environment.
• Demonstrable record of delivering high‑quality admissions or customer service processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a confident and professional telephone manner and the ability to represent the school positively with parents, pupils, feeder schools and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience of successful student recruitment in UK and international markets.
• Good knowledge and understanding of UKVI compliance requirements.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and report on data effectively.
• High level of computer literacy; experience of CRM or admissions database systems is essential.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities with the capacity to prioritise and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• A collaborative, supportive and “hands‑on” team player who leads by example.
• A proactive problem solver who can think ahead and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Reliable, approachable and customer‑service focused with a positive “can‑do” attitude.
• A sense of humour, calmness under pressure, and the ability to cope with the unexpected.

Applicants are asked to submit a covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the following:

• Why you are interested in the Head of Admissions role at Canford School.
• How your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
• Examples of leadership, operational expertise and team management in a busy, customer‑focused environment.
• Evidence of strong relationship management with parents, pupils, feeder schools and colleagues.
• How your personal qualities, approach and values align with the ethos of the School.
• Demonstration of your ability to contribute to the growth and success of Canford.

If you have any questions, please contact Abi Phillips, Director of Human Resources: recruitment@canford.com / 01202 847590.

The process is as follows: Longlisting will take place on Wednesday 8th April 2026. Candidates taken forward to interview will be offered a 20 minute team call with our newly appointed Director of Engagement. In person interview will take place on Friday 17th April 2026. Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.