At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pupil recruitment and create an inspiring admissions experience for families.
- Company: Join a prestigious school with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant working environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education as we enter our next century of coeducation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a strategic mindset in complex organisations.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to high standards and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an Assistant Head (Admissions) from September 2026. The postholder will be a key strategic leader with responsibility for ensuring the admission of outstanding pupils to the school. Working closely with the Head and the senior management team, the postholder will lead all aspects of pupil recruitment and enrolment, both strategic and operational, shaping and delivering an outstanding admissions experience for prospective pupils and their families, and ensuring every family’s interaction with King’s is welcoming, efficient and inspiring.
An experienced senior leader with an understanding of complex and fast-paced organisations, the postholder will play a key role furthering the school’s strategic objectives. Committed to supporting our values and contributing to the long-term strength of the school, they will be excited by the opportunity to join us as we enter the next phase of our development, preparing to embark upon our third century in 2029, to extend coeducation through the school, and to open a new junior school campus.
The postholder will work effectively across the Corporation of King’s (senior school, junior school, and Wimbledon Common Preparatory School), as well as across the school’s broader operations to support best practice in admissions. They will work closely with a wide range of departments and senior staff and will be a member of the school’s extended leadership team. Notably, the postholder will work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure the marketing strategy is aligned with the school’s recruitment.
The key responsibilities of the post will include those set out in the job profile document. This role description is designed to be indicative rather than restrictive and will be subject to review.
Reports to: Senior Deputy Head
Line manage: Admissions team
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will be able to take a strategic view and have experience at a senior level working collaboratively with senior leaders. They will be highly articulate, persuasive, and able to inspire and engage different audiences. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in a leadership role, and an ability to understand multiple perspectives and the potential implications of decisions taken in school settings.
- A strategic approach to working across complex organisations, with an aim to further the school’s priorities.
- A genuine interest in developing and implementing effective admissions strategies.
- Willingness to engage in the day-to-day operational activities.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with a collaborative and collegiate approach.
- Commitment to high standards, professional excellence, and the achievement of organisational goals.
- An energetic and proactive approach, with a continual drive for improvement and innovation.
- Forward-thinking creativity, with the ability to plan strategically and maintain a broad perspective.
- Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with confidence in public speaking.
- A diplomatic and professional manner, demonstrating calmness, resilience, and tenacity under pressure.
- Proven experience in project management and delivery of successful outcomes.
- Competence in financial planning, budgeting, and effective resource management.
- Proficiency in relevant IT systems and digital tools to support operational effectiveness.
- The ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with diverse and senior stakeholders.
- A strong understanding of the independent school sector, with a commitment to ensuring communications, marketing, and admissions are outward-looking, accessible and inclusive.
King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.
Closing date: Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 9am
Interviews: TBC
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.
Safeguarding Statement
King's College Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Assistant Head (Admissions) in London employer: King’s College School
Contact Detail:
King’s College School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head (Admissions) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into admissions. A friendly chat can lead to valuable advice or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to the school’s mission and future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As an Assistant Head (Admissions), you’ll need to inspire families and stakeholders. Try presenting to friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head (Admissions) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about shaping an outstanding admissions experience and contributing to our school’s values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of admissions in a school setting, so connect your past roles to what we need!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your ideas effectively. Remember, we want to understand your strategic vision without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College School
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research King’s College School thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and recent developments, especially regarding the new junior school campus. This will help you align your answers with the school's objectives and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Assistant Head (Admissions), you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in admissions or recruitment. Highlight how your strategic approach has positively impacted previous organisations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires collaboration with various departments and senior staff. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you’ve built relationships or influenced decisions, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would handle challenges related to admissions, such as improving the enrolment experience or addressing concerns from prospective families.