Director of Admissions

Director of Admissions and Head of Admissions, Dean Close Senior School

Dean Close Senior School is part of the Dean Close Foundation, which comprises four schools and five nurseries in and around Cheltenham and Chepstow. Each school in the Foundation has its own Admissions office, and each Head of Admissions is answerable to the Head of the particular school in which they work. One of these Heads of Admissions will also be the Director of Admissions for the Foundation itself, with responsibility to oversee admissions across the Foundation and advise the Warden and Bursar on current and anticipated numbers across all the schools, with an emphasis on smooth and reliable transition from each school to the next. This role should be regarded as an additional responsibility, rather than a different job altogether, as the post holder will continue to spend the majority of his/her time on admissions matters in his/her own school.  

It is possible for candidates to be considered for the Head of Admissions role (Dean Close Senior School) only, or also for the Director of Admissions (Dean Close Foundation) in addition to this. Candidates should indicate whether they wish to be considered for one role or both. 

Director of Admissions 

Admissions strategy for the Dean Close Foundation is owned and driven by the Warden and the Foundation Leadership Team.  It is at this level that the Admissions strategy for the Foundation is developed and agreed.  

The Director of Admissions will be responsible for developing the Admissions strategy under the leadership of the Warden, as part of the Foundation Leadership Team, and then for ensuring that the aims are delivered. 

The strategy will cover the following elements: 

• Determining the optimal number and mix of pupils in each of the Foundation schools
• Planning the pupil flow and transitions between Schools in the Foundation
• Ensuring that recruitment offers are ‘connected’ (e.g. family/sibling arrangements which transcend Schools in the Foundation)
• Identifying target markets for each entry point and working with the Director of Marketing to address these target markets
• Targeting Admissions work on key Prep Schools and other feeder schools across the Foundation
• Ensuring that all of the staff who work in Admissions across the Foundation work together as a team on behalf of the Foundation
• Organising half-termly meetings of the Heads of Admissions across the Foundation to assess progress towards targets, address matters of mutual concern and interest.
• Taking a lead on Admissions & Marketing projects as they arise across the Foundation
• Fostering a spirit of teamwork in the Admissions team across the Foundation
• Developing a strong relationship with the Director of Marketing to ensure Admissions & Marketing strategies are closely aligned across the Foundation.  

The Director of Admissions reports to the Warden on matters relating to these strategic aims. The Director of Admissions will be a member of the Foundation Leadership team. 

The role attracts an additional salary allowance of up to £5000

Head of Admissions, Dean Close School 

The objective of the role is to ensure that DCS successfully recruits to its full capacity with the right mix and quality of pupils across all year groups (as identified in the agreed targets set out in the strategic plan).  In order to achieve this the Head of Admissions will need to work collaboratively with other admissions staff across the Foundation, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently in a focused manner.  

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The role will be responsible for:  

• Planning 
• Recruiting
• Relationship Building 
• Reporting, Data Management and Communication 

EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES 

• deploy a range of leadership styles in different situations in order to create and secure commitment
• motivate and inspire their team 
• set high standards, deliver against deadlines and targets
• deal sensitively with ambiguity and resolve conflicts
• communicate effectively orally and in writing to a range of audiences
• chair meetings effectively
• prioritise, plan and organise a busy workload 
• analyse and evaluate Admissions data, market information and competitor activity
• apply good practice from other schools, sectors and organisations and take time to visit appropriate institutions in order to gather and develop new ideas
• initiate and manage change / improvement projects in line with the school’s development plantake responsibility for their own professional development

CONDITIONS 

Standard working week Monday - Saturday

Term time plus 6 weeks  

Maintain oversight of the admissions office and its activity throughout the year. Flexibility of working hours is essential. Some evening/Sunday events.

The Dean Close Foundation 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 a Disclosure and Barring Service check