At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead admissions and marketing strategies to shape Cheltenham College's reputation and attract students.
- Company: Cheltenham College, a prestigious co-educational school with a rich history and modern vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to influence education, and work in a beautiful campus environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and promoting diversity in education.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming student recruitment and enhancing the school's brand on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or commercial sectors with strong strategic and creative skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Cheltenham College is seeking an outstanding strategic leader for this pivotal senior role, which will report directly to the Head and be a key member of the College Executive Committee. Founded in 1841, Cheltenham College is one of Britain’s top co‑educational day and boarding schools — a school of genuine breadth, ambition, and character that combines a proud and distinguished history with a thoroughly modern outlook. With over 1,100 pupils across the College and Prep, a campus of exceptional beauty in the heart of one of England’s most desirable towns, and a growing international family of schools, Cheltenham occupies a compelling and distinctive position in the independent sector.
The arrival of a new Head, Chris Townsend, has brought with it a clear and ambitious intent: to place pupil recruitment, brand, and external relations at the heart of strategy. This newly created post is a deliberate expression of that ambition, bringing together the admissions functions and marketing team under a single, strategic leader.
The Director of Admissions and Marketing will be responsible for everything that shapes how Cheltenham College is perceived, how its story is told and how effectively it recruits and retains the pupils who will define its community. They will develop and own an ambitious, integrated recruitment and marketing strategy across the full 3 to 18 age range, positioning Cheltenham College as a destination of choice for families locally, nationally, and internationally.
This high‑profile and exciting role will attract either an experienced education sector professional or an exceptional individual from a commercial background who brings both an instinctive understanding of the independent education landscape and the strategic, commercial, relational, and creative skills to thrive in a role of this complexity and ambition.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion.
The closing date for applications is Monday 10th August 2026 at 10.00am. Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. You should submit the following (both in PDF format):
- A completed Application Form.
- A covering letter addressed to the Head, Mr Chris Townsend. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.
Early applications are encouraged as the College reserves the right to make an early appointment. If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 7931.
N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process. Cheltenham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
The deadline for receipt of the applications is 10.00am (UK time) on Monday 10 August 2026. Preliminary Interviews will take place via MS Teams with RSAcademics in the week commencing 17 August 2026. Long List interviews will take place at Cheltenham College in the week commencing 7 September 2026. Short List interviews will take place at Cheltenham College in the week commencing 21 September 2026.
Director of Admissions and Marketing – Cheltenham College employer: RSAcademics Ltd
Cheltenham College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to the strategic vision of one of Britain's leading independent schools. Located in the picturesque town of Cheltenham, staff enjoy a beautiful campus environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students from diverse backgrounds.
