At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage school fees, pupil registers, and support bursary processes while enhancing systems.
- Company: Colfe's School, a historic and inclusive educational institution in London.
- Benefits: Competitive term-time salary, hybrid working, and a supportive community environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a vibrant school setting.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team making a positive impact on students' lives and education.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience in administrative roles.
About Our Client
This organisation operates within the not-for-profit sector and is committed to making a positive impact in its field. Colfe's is one of London's oldest schools, taking its name from Reverend Abraham Colfe, Vicar of Lewisham, who re-founded the school in 1652. A former grammar school, Colfe's is a fully co-educational day school with over 1300 pupils from ages 3 to 18. Colfe's is a welcoming environment with a deep feeling of community pride among its students, parents, staff and alumni. Academic standards are high: students perform well with many going on to top universities. Excellent pastoral care gives pupils the tools they need to learn and to live, supporting them at school and preparing them for life beyond. Colfe's is more inclusive than many independent schools, with more than 10% of pupils in a typical Sixth Form year group coming from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and the School is committed to widening access still further.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Fees Billing & Parent Accounts
- Manage the termly billing cycle for tuition fees and extras (e.g. clubs, trips, transport).
- Produce and issue interim bills as required.
- Maintain accurate billing data and ensure reconciliation and audit trail integrity.
- Administer deposit payments and refunds.
- Maintain and apply fee remissions, scholarships and bursaries accurately.
- Act as the primary point of contact for parental fee queries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Work with the Bursar to review and improve billing processes and controls.
- Management of the Pupil Register
- Maintain the school's official pupil register, ensuring accuracy at all times.
- Process joiners and leavers, ensuring correct data entry and system updates.
- Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards / safeguarding-related reporting obligations.
- Liaise closely with Admissions, HR and Academic teams to ensure alignment of records.
- Bursaries & Means-Tested Support
- Administer the annual review process for means-tested bursaries and scholarships.
- Manage communication with families with professionalism, discretion and sensitivity.
- Maintain accurate records of awards and supporting documentation.
- Support assessment and re-assessment processes alongside the Bursar.
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain and develop the effective use of School MIS (e.g. SIMS / iSAMS) and Finance/billing systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, enhance reporting and data quality, and support integration between admissions, finance and pupil systems.
- Liaison for Home to School transport contract
- Support the School's transport provider to plan the day-to-day operation of the School's coach services, adapting to changes in pupil or school requirements.
- Act as a point of liaison between parents and the transport provider, ensuring clear communication of arrangements and expectations.
The Successful Applicant
Person Specification
- Essential Experience & Skills
- Customer Service & Communication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident and professional when dealing with parents.
- Strong customer service mindset, including handling sensitive or complex queries.
- Organisation & Attention to Detail
- Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Process & Systems
- Experience of working in a process-driven administrative or finance environment.
- Ability to manage and improve processes.
- Strong IT skills, including Excel and Databases/ MIS systems.
- Interest in systems development and efficiency improvements.
- Problem Solving & Initiative
- Ability to identify issues and resolve them independently.
- Proactive approach to improving ways of working.
- Confidentiality & Professionalism
- High level of discretion, particularly in financial and pupil matters.
- Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Customer Service & Communication
- Desirable
- Experience in a school or education setting.
- Familiarity with school MIS systems (e.g. SIMS, iSAMS).
- Experience of fees billing, admissions or registrar functions, and bursary or financial support administration.
What's on Offer
Term time salary (£40,000-£45,000). FTE of £45,400-£51,075). Location: Colfe's School, London, SE12. Hybrid: 5 days on site: 9am-5pm plus 6 weeks during the school holiday.
The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, which Daniel will send you, accompanied by a letter of application, current CV and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School's Safer Recruitment procedures. The applications should be submitted through the advert directly. The deadline for applications is Friday 19th June. Colfe's School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Contact: Daniel Page
School Fees Manager & Registrar employer: MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
Colfe's School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises community and academic excellence. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on improving processes, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in London, the school provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a historic institution dedicated to widening access and fostering a sense of belonging among its diverse pupil body.
Contact Details:
MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Fees Manager & Registrar
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Colfe's history, values, and community. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since you'll be dealing with parents and sensitive queries, role-play common scenarios with a friend. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the School Fees Manager & Registrar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Colfe's.
We think you need these skills to ace School Fees Manager & Registrar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of School Fees Manager & Registrar. We want to see how you can contribute to our community at Colfe's!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with parents and staff, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written communication skills. Keep your language clear and professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this position. When filling out your application, double-check for any errors or inconsistencies. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure everything is accurate and well-presented.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Colfe's.
How to prepare for a job interview at MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Fees Manager & Registrar, you'll be dealing with billing cycles and financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of fee structures, scholarships, and bursaries. Be ready to discuss how you would manage these processes efficiently and accurately.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be the go-to person for parents with queries about fees. Prepare examples of how you've handled sensitive or complex customer service situations in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and professionally, especially when resolving issues.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Accuracy is key in this role. Bring examples of how you've maintained precise records or improved processes in previous jobs. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with standards and handle data entry without errors.
✨Be Proactive About Process Improvement
The job involves identifying opportunities for efficiency. Think of specific instances where you've improved systems or processes in your past roles. Show that you're not just reactive but also proactive in enhancing workflows and data quality.