At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead parent communications and create engaging content for families at Wimbledon High School.
- Company: Join the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, shaping the future of education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the school community and connect with families.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications and a passion for engaging diverse audiences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wimbledon High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST), is seeking a talented and strategic communications professional to shape how our families experience life at one of London's leading independent girls' schools.
The role
The Communications Lead - Parent Engagement will lead all parent-focused communications, ensuring families feel informed, inspired, and connected at every stage of their journey with us. From newsletters and digital updates to events and onboarding for new parents, you will craft messages that reflect our school's values and celebrate our pupils' achievements. You will work closely with teachers, senior leaders, and support staff to manage parent communication platforms, coordinate initiatives, and deliver a seamless, engaging experience for families. This is a role for someone who thrives on people-centred communication and wants to make a visible, meaningful impact on the life of our school community.
About you
You are an accomplished communicator, naturally able to bring clarity, warmth, and creativity to every message. You enjoy building relationships and have the confidence to engage effectively with senior leaders, staff, and families alike. Experienced in multi-channel communications, you know how to engage diverse audiences and manage multiple projects with precision and flair. You likely hold a degree or equivalent experience in Communications or a related field, and you are familiar with best practice in digital communications, accessibility, inclusivity, and data protection. Familiarity with education or independent schools is desirable, as is a strategic mindset that allows you to plan ahead, adapt to change, and deliver effective results.
About Wimbledon High School
Since 1880, Wimbledon High School GDST has been educating girls to go out into the world and make a difference. Our acclaimed pastoral programme GROW, enriching co-curricular opportunities, character-forging partnerships and our 'playful scholarship' approach to academic life make for a compelling environment where every individual can flourish and be herself. Located in the heart of Wimbledon, we are less than 20 minutes from central London.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- GDST Flexible Pension Plan
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season tickets
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
The closing date for applications will be 9am, Wednesday 1 July 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 July 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
Safeguarding Statement: The Girls' Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Communications Lead - Parent Engagement employer: GDST
Wimbledon High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering competitive salaries and extensive professional development opportunities. Located in the vibrant area of Wimbledon, just a short distance from central London, employees benefit from a range of perks including flexible pension plans, training grants, and discounts on school fees for their children, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Lead - Parent Engagement
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like GDST. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like GDST, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research GDST inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Lead - Parent Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of GDST. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at GDST.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
