Attendance & Admissions Officer - Secondary School - Hammersmith and Fulham in London

A secondary school in Hammersmith and Fulham is seeking a proactive Attendance & Admissions Officer to join its administrative and pastoral support team. This position would suit someone who is organised, persistent and confident communicating with families. You will take responsibility for maintaining accurate attendance information, following up absence and lateness, supporting attendance improvement work and assisting with the school's admissions processes.

The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring attendance concerns are identified early and that student records remain accurate.

School Information

This is an established secondary school in Hammersmith and Fulham with a diverse student community. The school has high expectations for attendance, behaviour and academic engagement and works closely with families to help students make the most of their education. The attendance function works alongside the wider pastoral and safeguarding teams. Accurate information is essential because attendance patterns can help staff identify students who may require additional support.

The admissions side of the role will also require careful administration. The school needs accurate information when students join, transfer or leave, and the successful candidate will help ensure relevant records are updated promptly. You will become a key contact for families and will need to communicate the school's expectations clearly while remaining professional and approachable.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring daily student attendance.
• Identifying unexplained absences.
• Following up absence with parents and carers.
• Contacting families by telephone and email.
• Recording reasons for absence accurately.
• Monitoring persistent absence.
• Monitoring repeated lateness.
• Identifying concerning attendance patterns.
• Producing attendance reports.
• Providing relevant information to senior and pastoral staff.
• Maintaining accurate attendance records.
• Supporting attendance improvement plans.
• Recording actions following attendance meetings.
• Contacting families regarding agreed attendance targets.
• Supporting students returning following periods of absence.
• Working with Heads of Year and pastoral staff.
• Escalating attendance concerns where appropriate.
• Maintaining records of parent communication.
• Supporting safeguarding colleagues where attendance raises concerns.
• Responding to admissions enquiries.
• Processing student admissions information.
• Checking that admission documentation is complete.
• Updating student records.
• Supporting new student transition arrangements.
• Processing student leaver information.
• Maintaining accurate contact details.
• Preparing admissions correspondence.
• Responding to parent queries.
• Supporting the wider administration team when required.
• Maintaining confidentiality.

You will need to be persistent and organised. Some attendance concerns require repeated communication and follow-up, so you must be comfortable working through agreed procedures rather than allowing cases to remain unresolved.

Attendance and Student Progress

Regular attendance is essential to students' ability to access their education. The successful candidate will therefore need to understand the importance of monitoring attendance carefully and identifying concerns early. You may be asked to prepare information for meetings with parents, pastoral staff or senior leaders. This information must be accurate and presented clearly. Where attendance concerns are linked to wider issues, you will need to ensure the appropriate pastoral or safeguarding colleague is informed.

Admissions Administration

The role also involves supporting the admissions process. You will help ensure that new students' information is complete, correctly recorded and communicated to relevant staff. This may include checking forms, contacting parents for missing information and updating the school's management information system. Accuracy is particularly important because admissions information is used across different areas of school administration.

Working with Parents and Carers

You will regularly speak with parents and carers. Some conversations will be straightforward, while others may involve difficult discussions about persistent absence or lateness. You should be able to remain professional and respectful while explaining the school's expectations. You should also be willing to listen to families and recognise when a concern may require additional support.

Experience and Requirements

The school would ideally like someone with previous experience in school administration, attendance, admissions or a related role. Applicants should have:

• Previous administrative experience.
• Attendance experience would be advantageous.
• Admissions experience would be beneficial.
• Excellent organisation and time management.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Confident telephone and written communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with families.
• Good IT skills.
• Experience using databases or MIS systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Confidence working with sensitive information.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Good judgement.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with pastoral and administrative staff.
• Professional and persistent approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding.
• Experience with SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom or similar school systems would be useful.

Safeguarding

Attendance and admissions can involve sensitive information and may sometimes highlight wider safeguarding concerns. The successful candidate must follow the school's safeguarding procedures, maintain accurate records and escalate concerns promptly through the correct channels.

Application

To apply for this Attendance & Admissions Officer position in Hammersmith and Fulham, please send your CV as soon as possible. The school is keen to arrange interviews promptly and is looking for a candidate who can start ASAP.