Epsom College - Director of Admissions

Welcome

Epsom College is an inspiring place to work, renowned for delivering an excellent all-round education to 1,100 girls and boys aged 11-18. We are proud to have been judged ‘Independent School of the Year 2023’ and named by The Sunday Times as the “UK’s Most Improved School” in its 2024 Parent Power league tables.

The College has grown significantly in the past six years, with pupil numbers rising 38% as the result of the opening of our Lower School in 2016, and strong growth throughout the rest of the College. We admit pupils into Years 7, 9, and 12, with an average of five applicants for every space.

Epsom is a happy school. The College values of kindness, ambition and integrity are at heart of all that we do. Almost all our pupils remain with us for their A-levels, and staff retention is equally strong. Around 60% of staff live onsite, which lends the College a sense of community and togetherness.

Our focus on delivering an all-round education that develops the whole child, is regularly celebrated. In the past four years, in both the TES and Independent School of the Year Awards, we have been a finalist in the categories of Boarding School of The Year, Co-Ed School of the Year, SLT of the Year, Creativity in Teaching, Student Wellbeing, Community Initiative, and Sporting Achievement.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Admissions to lead the Admissions department, which is comprised of an Admissions Registrar and an Admissions Assistant.

The team greatly values its productive and mutually-respectful relationships with many others across the organisation and works particularly closely with the Marketing and Communications Department, especially with regard to events (Open Mornings, College Tours, Feeder School Events etc) and overall promotional and recruitment activity; along with Enterprises, Alumni and Development Society and the Bursar.

It is an exciting time to be joining the College, with Mark Lascelles starting as Head from September 2024.

We hope that you will want to come and join the fantastic team at Epsom College.

About Epsom

Our co-curricular programme – which features a vast array of clubs, societies and activities each week – is award-winning (picking up the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade from The Week for six consecutive years); our CCF is one of the largest in the UK; and our Duke of Edinburgh programme currently has over 100 pupils completing their Gold or Silver award.

In addition, our timetable features wellbeing lessons, an award-winning Personal Social Development offering, and an hour each week for volunteering in the community. Last year Epsom pupils gave 8,500 hours of their time to help local charities, schools, and community groups.

From 8am until 6pm, our 72-acre campus is alive with learning; academic lessons also take place on Saturday mornings meaning that pupils have time each day to learn and develop outside the classroom. When pupils aren’t busy, they can relax and catch up with friends in their House. We have 13 single-sex Houses for all our pupils from Year 9 upwards (whether they are day pupils or boarders). This combination of single sex accommodation within a co-ed environment provides pupils with the best of both worlds.

The fact our Houses are physical buildings, where pupils can step through the door into a space that’s entirely their own, is key to the success of our pastoral programme. The Carnegie Centre for Excellence in Mental Health in Schools honoured us with their Gold Award – making us one of just four UK boarding school to receive their top accolade – and in 2023 we were judged Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing.

Sport is central to the College. Last year, we won national titles in Squash, Tennis, Rugby and Shooting; and reached the national finals in Hockey, Golf and Swimming. Over 22 sports are offered to our pupils, and the aim is to encourage participation for all – we regularly field D and E teams, and see an average of 90% of pupils playing competitive fixtures.

A great place to work

One of the happiest places to live in Surrey, surrounded by open space, a beautiful campus and supportive colleagues. Epsom College is the Independent School of the Year, and a great place to work.

We are:

The second happiest place to live in Surrey – according to the ONS (2021)
The seventh happiest place to live in the UK – according to Rightmove (2017)
Independent School of the Year: Student Wellbeing (2022)
One of the UK’s leading Independent Schools and one of only four UK boarding schools to win Gold from the Carnegie Centre for Excellence in Mental Health in Schools, for the wellbeing of our staff and pupils.

Our location:

60% of staff live on-site, creating a warm welcoming community.
Two train stations walking distance from the College, with trains to Victoria and Waterloo.
Only 15 miles from Central London, 30 minutes from Gatwick and 45 minutes to Heathrow.
Nestled on the edge of the Surrey Downs, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Epsom College itself is situated within a 72-acre Victorian estate
The perfect marriage of proximity to the capital, and access to the countryside.

The role

Director of Admissions (AQ2865)

Apply now

Reporting to: Director of Marketing and Communications (SLT)
Responsible to: The Head
Type of position: Full time working throughout the year

The Role

The Director of Admissions is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the admissions process across the College. This senior role requires a dynamic, strategic thinker with a passion for independent education and a proven ability to attract and retain students in an increasingly competitive market. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the successful candidate will work closely with the Head and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the College’s admissions strategy aligns with its overall vision and objectives

Key Responsibilities

Admissions strategy and management

Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive admissions strategy to maintain and increase student enrolment across all entry points, with a focus on increasing the quality and calibre of the intake.
Develop a robust data strategy that enables Epsom College to focus on a high calibre intake which is reflective of the school community.
Ensure a seamless and welcoming admissions process from initial enquiry to student enrolment, maintaining high standards of customer service throughout.
Regularly review and refine the admissions processes based on feedback and market research to ensure they reflect the school’s ethos and competitive edge.

Marketing and recruitment

Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to design and execute targeted marketing campaigns aimed at prospective families.
Lead the Open Mornings, College Tours, Taster Days, and other recruitment events, ensuring they effectively showcase the College’s unique offerings.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with feeder schools, educational consultants, agents, and other external stakeholders to strengthen recruitment channels.

Relationship management

Serve as the public face of the College’s admissions, building strong, positive relationships with prospective families, agents, and international students.
Maintain regular and personal contact with key feeder schools and maintain a database of alumni and current parents who can act as ambassadors for the College.
Engage with current parents to promote continuity and ensure high retention rates.

Team leadership and development

Lead, manage, and develop the Admissions Team, ensuring they have the training and support needed to deliver a high-quality service.
Foster a collaborative and motivated working environment within the team, promoting continuous improvement and professional development.
Work effectively and collaboratively with teams across the College, particularly Marketing and Communications, the Housemasters and Housemistresses, Heads of Departments, and the Senior Leadership Team.

Data management and reporting

Lead the data management strategy, ensuring accuracy of admissions databases and records and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Produce regular reports and analysis for the Head of School and Governors on admissions trends, forecasts, and performance metrics.
Manage the admissions budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.

International recruitment

Lead initiatives to attract and recruit international students, including attending overseas recruitment fairs and building relationships with international agents as and when appropriate.
Work in collaboration with the Director of International to ensure a joint approach to working with our international communities.
Ensure compliance with UK Visa and Immigration requirements, working closely with relevant teams to manage international student admissions.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

No job description can fully cover all aspects of the role and consequently, the responsibilities are likely to evolve and change over time. This description gives an overall view of the position.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and background

Proven track record in a senior admissions role within an educational setting, preferably within the independent school sector.
Experience in managing both domestic and international student recruitment.
Strong leadership experience with a capability to inspire and manage a team effectively.
Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement effective recruitment strategies.

Skills and attributes

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
High level of organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and use it to inform strategy.
Empathy and understanding of the needs of students and parents during the admissions process.
Proficiency in iSams or similar school managements system, and Microsoft Office.

Personal qualities

Dynamic, enthusiastic, and motivated with a strong commitment to the school’s values and ethos.
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.

In order to arrive at a decision, the selection panel may enhance any or all of the desirable criteria.

Apply now

Terms of appointment

Hours: This is a full time role working throughout the year. The minimum hours per week will be 40, with such additional hours as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role. Normal office hours are based around the school day of 8am to 6pm. In addition, the Director of Admissions will be required to lead on some events/meetings during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends. Given the responsibilities and leadership of this post, some national and international travel may be required from time to time.

Salary: This is a substantive role, and a competitive salary package commensurate with the seniority of the post will be offered, reviewed annually, and paid monthly in arrears on the 25th of the month.

Holidays: The holiday entitlement is 33 days paid holiday per annum incl. bank holidays. Additional discretionary days are offered by the Bursar during the Christmas and New Year period.

Pension: The College operates the Epsom College Automatic Enrolment Scheme. The Scheme is administered by the Pensions Trust. In addition to the statutory contribution rate, the College will pay an enhanced contribution rate equating to a total of 7%, and the employee contribution is 5%. There is the option to increase the employee contribution by way of AVCs.

Employee benefits include

Life assurance: Members who are automatically enrolled or who choose to opt into the College Pension Scheme will be provided with life assurance cover at two x contractual annual basic salary at no cost to the employee;.
School fee discount: Generous school fee discount available subject to qualifying conditions.
Private health plan: Offered to staff subject to qualifying conditions.
Employee assistance programme: this including free counselling service to employees and close family.
Dining facilities and refreshments: Whilst at work, a free meal and refreshments are available when the dining room is open.
Health fitness and wellbeing: Free use of Fitness suite and swimming pool are available to staff at certain times.
Cycle to Work: The College offers an interest free cycle to work loan subject to a qualifying conditions.
Parking: Free car parking for staff is available on campus.
Computer loan: The College offers an interest free computer loan subject to qualifying conditions.

Offer of Post: In compliance with safer recruitment regulations, the post will be offered subject to receipt of satisfactory written references, pre-placement medical assessment, proof of appropriate qualifications, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the candidate as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if appropriate, as well as confirmation that the successful candidate is able to work in the UK.

Prior to interview, an online search of internet search engines, websites and other publicly available and publicly accessible platforms to ascertain the applicant’s suitability to work within a school environment will be undertaken on applicants that have been shortlisted. Please note whilst the Enhanced DBS check will be paid by the College if an overseas police check is required, it will be at the cost of the successful applicant.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the College, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is 9AM on 27 September 2024.

Applications should consist of:

Applications should consist of a CV and covering statement (of no more than 1,000 words) outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete the College application form online with safer recruitment practices.

Should you wish to discuss the role(s) in strict confidence, please contact Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7596 954 387 or Samantha Bryan-Ross samantha.bryan-ross@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 713.

The College is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supporting gender equality & Race Equality Charter. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Appointment of the Director of Admissions