At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing strategy to boost admissions and shape the school's brand.
- Company: Cargilfield, Scotland's first prep school with a rich 150-year history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days leave, pension contributions, and free lunches.
- Other info: Direct access to senior leadership and ownership of marketing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a prestigious school with a strong legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading marketing strategies and digital campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Sector: Education
Reference: 11135The opportunity you've been waiting for Cargilfield was named Best Prep School in the UK at the Tatler Schools Awards 2026.
It is Scotland's first prep school and Edinburgh's only stand-alone one.
After 150 years, it has a story most schools would envy.
The task now is to turn that reputation into sustained admissions growth.
Cargilfield is appointing a Head of Marketing to lead the brand, the website, the campaigns and the numbers, working directly with the Headmaster and Senior Management Team.
This is a senior role with a seat at the planning table.
You set the plan.
You shape the brand.
You show governors exactly what it delivers.
How you'll make your mark Your first job is to take a clear-eyed look at what exists today: the marketing, the digital activity and the data.
Then build the plan that moves admissions forward.
Key deliverables Review current marketing and digital activity, then deliver an annual marketing plan tied to admissions targets.
Turn admissions data, market trends and parent behaviour into clear priorities for growth.
Lead marketing input into the school website, owning content, calls to action, conversion pathways and user experience.
Build SEO and AEO strategies so Cargilfield appears when parents search online and when they ask AI tools for answers.
Plan and optimise Google Ads and Meta campaigns, working with specialist agencies where they add value.
Set and deliver social media growth and engagement targets, with content drawn from life across the school.
Keep the brand consistent across every prospectus, handbook, banner, advert and presentation.
Bring open mornings, admissions events and community partnerships to life alongside the Registrar.
Manage the marketing budget and the agencies, designers, photographers and PR partners who support it.
Produce termly reports for governors tracking leads, enquiries and return on investment.
What you bring Experience leading marketing strategy and delivery across digital and traditional channels.
A track record of campaigns that grew measurable leads or enquiries.
Hands-on knowledge of Google Ads, Meta advertising, SEO and web analytics.
Confidence advising senior leaders and presenting performance to a board or governors.
A good eye for creative work and the judgement to brief and manage external agencies well.
Comfort with CRM systems and databases, and a habit of turning data into decisions.
Experience in education or another relationship-led, premium sector would be valuable.
What's in it for you Competitive salary40 days annual leave (inc public holidays)Pension – 5% employer contribution Free lunches during term time Direct access to the Headmaster and SMT, and a voice in whole-school planning.
Real ownership.
The plan, the budget and the results are yours.
A brand with genuine substance to work with: 150 years of history, national recognition and a campus by the Cramond shoreline.
Hours – Mon-Fri, 9-5pm A bit more about Cargilfield Founded in 1873, Cargilfield is an independent day and boarding prep school for around 300 boys and girls aged 3 to 13, across its Nursery, Pre-Prep and Upper School.
The school sits in Barnton, in north-west Edinburgh.
As a stand-alone prep, it prepares pupils for senior schools across Scotland and England, with small classes and specialist teaching.
The Tatler award has put Cargilfield firmly on the national map.
This role exists to build on that momentum with a joined-up plan, clear data and campaigns that convert interest into enquiries.
Denholm's take Cargilfield arrives with the kind of credentials most marketers spend years trying to build.
The heritage is real.
The recognition is recent.
The opportunity is to make both work harder.
What stands out is the scope.
Brand, website, paid media, social, events and governor reporting all sit with one person.
For a marketer who likes to see the whole picture and prove the impact, that is a compelling brief.
If you'd like to talk it through before applying, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.
Head of Marketing in Edinburgh employer: Denholm Associates
Join a leading FMCG brand that values innovation and quality, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on international markets. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique platform to collaborate with diverse teams and drive brand excellence across global touchpoints.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing in Edinburgh
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Denholm Associates and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Denholm Associates are looking for.
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Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Denholm Associates on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marketing in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Denholm Associates. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Denholm Associates:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Denholm Associates’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Denholm Associates
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Denholm Associates will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Denholm Associates, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
