Head of Admissions

Head of Admissions will be responsible for growing the number of students in our school. This will be driven by delivering a distinctive, market leading and 'surprising and delightful' customer experience.

They will need to establish and inculcate a sales culture and mindset throughout the school starting with the school leadership and admissions teams. Ensure the whole school understand their part in the organisation's growth strategy through clear communication and interpersonal relationships.

Overall growth requires focus on both enrolments and retention of existing students.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: Full time, year round, permanent, 8:00am - 4:00pm, 5 days per week.

• Means tested staff discount
• Complementary lunch during term time cooked on site by our inhouse chefs
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Personal accident at work cover
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• Opportunities for career development within the Wishford group of schools

Management of the admissions process:

• To act as a key brand ambassador for the school, understanding the local market, the value proposition of the school and by appreciating the needs of parents and pupils
• To take responsibility for all aspects of the school's admissions process nurturing enquirers, applicants and offer holders through to enrolment
• To ensure all digital enquiries are complemented by excellent follow up to provide a first-class service for prospective parents
• To take the lead on admissions events including personal tours, open mornings and other similar recruitment events
• To build relationships with feeder schools, estate agents, relocation agents, key partners, affiliates and influencers in the local community to drive enquiries as determined by the Marketing and Admissions strategy
• To manage the regular reporting and forecasting of data to support monthly commercial analysis
• In conjunction with the Head and the POD, set stretching annual enrolment target
• Regularly monitor feedback generated through various mediums (mystery shop, online chat, WhatsApp, Voice of the Parent admissions survey); and take action to improve the admissions service based on customer insight
• Work closely with the overseas recruitment team and ensure compliance on visas and immigration, regulatory inspections and reporting to the local authority
• Support school teams to ensure strategies are in place to support a positive flow of pupils at each transition point.

Management of communications and events:

• To develop, plan and create content to promote the school through all relevant channels
• Plan and deliver dynamic social media activity
• To assist in the design of communication and promotional material e.g. Play Group Flyers, Reception Taster Events etc
• To create conversion communications and email campaigns for all stakeholders within the pipeline and school community
• To oversee stock of printed publications and merchandise.

Events:

• To lead the organisation and management of internal and external events that promote the school to prospective parents such as open days and coffee mornings
• To capture photography and video of internal events that can be used in comms/social media.

General:

• Support the Pod Marketing Managers with marketing activity for the school.

Person Specification:

Skills, Capabilities, Attributes:

• Be a nice person who is immediately likeable and can relate easily to others
• Enjoys and is energised by interacting with others
• Able to operate with autonomy and authority - should have good gravitas
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to deal with people on all levels with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• High level of numeracy and the ability to understand, manipulate and interrogate data to understand patterns, trends and gain commercial insight
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work well within a team
• First class organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines; systematic approach to tasks, with attention to detail
• Dedication to creating 'special moments' that exceed customer's expectations, that delight and surprise
• A keen eye for details and an interest in brand guardianship
• Confident and adept in use of Microsoft applications e.g. Word, Excel and various database systems
• Good levels of accuracy & attention to detail with own and others tasks

Experience:

• Overall successful track record but with failures along the way
• Prior experience of managing direct customer contact ideally in sales and customer facing, serviced-based role, or sales
• Experience in use of customer database, customer relationship management tools and digital/online platforms
• Experience in managing communication campaigns
• Experience in managing events
• Experience in Marketing and/or Brand Management
• Previous experience of working in a complex, busy, service-driven culture ideally a school but this isn't a must have
• Experience in use of technology apps, especially social media

Important Info and How to Apply:

To apply, please Application Form to download an Application Form and email it . To apply using an online form please click here .

If you have any questions regarding this role, or need an adjustment when applying, please email Molly Rees at

Applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to fill the role prior to the closing date. Early applications by prospective candidates are therefore strongly recommended.

The application is on a rolling basis, and interviews will take place at a time that is suitable for both you as the candidate and the School. We reserve the right to close the process at any time should a suitable candidate be found.

St Mary's Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and an online search on application.

Wishford Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Appointments will be made solely on merit and will be made without regard to age, disability, gender, nationality, race, colour, ethnicity, or religion.

We have been at the centre of education in Henley for almost 100 years, helping generations of children to learn in a stimulating and inspiring environment. Situated in the heart of the town in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, our vibrant co ed prep school provides an outstanding education for children aged 3 - 11 years.

We go together:

We are stronger together, as one global schools' system and operate with our collective goals in mind. We show up for one another, collaborate widely and share generously.

We believe we can:

We are driven and passionate about what we do. Determined learners, we progress fast by facing challenges and empower others to do the same. We take ownership of our responsibilities and always believe there is a way.

We embrace change to stay ahead, whilst maintaining high standards and best practice. We anticipate the future, not afraid to do things differently, so both our students and our business thrive today and tomorrow.

We share a growth mindset:

We always consider the needs and perspectives of others. We are open to new ideas and ways of working, connecting to wider perspectives wherever possible.

Proud of our reputation for delivering academic excellence - the attainment of St. Mary's pupils is above national age related expectations in all subjects, and our more able pupils are challenged and stretched with a range of classroom work and additional activities.

Our pupils are well prepared to make the transition on to the next stage in their education, with children consistently receiving offers from their first choice of the most prestigious schools in the area, including scholarships and awards.