Head of Admissions

Overall Purpose

Founded in 1923 Canford School is set in 250 acres of inspirational parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset. The school, which has some 660 pupils aged 13-18, is amongst the country’s top co-educational boarding and day schools. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh lively approach. The School offers a superb sports and co-curricular programme for pupils, which is seen as amongst the best offering by schools in the private sector and one which parents hugely value.

Having celebrated its centenary in 2023, Canford was a finalist for ‘Public School of the year’ in the Tatler 2026 Awards, the Independent School Parent ‘Top School in the South of England 2025’ and number one ranked co-ed boarding and day school in the South West for top A level and GCSE results in the Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025. It is an exciting time to be joining the school, with September 2025 seeing a new Head, the opening of a new Sixth Form College, and the School announcing that it is merging with Dumpton School to form the Canford Schools Group of charitable independent schools. 

Alongside its place as a school, Canford also offers excellent commercial facilities which are available to members of the public, including event and wedding facilities, a sports centre, nine-hole golf course, Real tennis court and a theatre.

The Head of Admissions is responsible for the effective management and day-to-day running of the Admissions Office. Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the post holder will ensure the smooth operation of all aspects of pupil recruitment and admissions, delivering an exceptional experience for prospective families and feeder schools.

The Head of Admissions will manage and motivate the Admissions team to deliver an efficient, professional and welcoming admissions journey, ensuring all processes and communications reflect the values and high standards of the school.

To manage and deliver the pupil admissions process from first enquiry through to enrolment, ensuring that agreed recruitment targets are met and that all families experience a first-class admissions journey.

Key elements of the role include:

• Operational leadership of the Admissions function, including planning, data management and delivery against recruitment objectives.
• Oversight of all admissions processes to ensure they are efficient, compliant and aligned with school policy.
• Supporting the Director of Engagement in implementing the overall admissions and marketing strategy, including feeder school engagement and events.
• Leading, motivating and developing the Admissions team to deliver excellence in service and outcomes.

Duties

Leadership and Management

• Line manage, support and develop the Admissions team.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Admissions Department, ensuring effective workload management and delivery against deadlines.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of admissions plans and targets as agreed with the Director of Engagement.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget in line with agreed objectives.
• Produce regular admissions reports and management information for the Director of Engagement and the Senior Management Group.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements relating to admissions, including the maintenance of accurate Admission and Attendance Registers.
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including feeder schools and partner organisations.

Operations

• Manage and continually refine all admissions and scholarship processes.
• Oversee the organisation and delivery of open days, entrance assessments, scholarships and other admissions events.
• Liaise with feeder schools and families regarding applications, scholarship results and entry procedures.
• Conduct interviews with prospective pupils and parents as required.
• Monitor and analyse admissions data and trends, providing reports and recommendations to the Director of Engagement.
• Ensure the admissions database is accurately maintained and GDPR compliant.
• Liaise closely with academic and pastoral colleagues to ensure a smooth transition for new pupils.
• Work with the Bursar’s Office on financial aspects of admissions, including deposits and fees.

Marketing and External Relations Interface

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Engagement and the Marketing team to ensure consistent messaging and effective promotion of the school.
• Support the implementation of the feeder schools’ engagement strategy and outreach events.
• Provide accurate admissions data to support marketing analysis and targeted campaigns.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the annual admissions calendar and associated communications.
• Provide content updates for admissions-related sections of the school website and other materials.

General

• Report to the Director of Engagement on admissions performance, issues and opportunities.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of independent school admissions trends and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across all departments to ensure an integrated and positive admissions experience.
• Be fully informed about the school’s academic, pastoral and co-curricular offer.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Director of Engagement or Headmaster.

Knowledge / Experience

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of the independent education sector is essential, ideally within a boarding context.
• Experience of school-based (or higher/further education) admissions and administrative procedures is highly desirable.
• Educated to degree level (a teaching background may be beneficial but is not essential).
• Strong understanding of customer service principles and relationship management in an educational setting.

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience managing or supervising a team in a busy, customer-focused environment.
• Demonstrable record of delivering high-quality admissions or customer service processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a confident and professional telephone manner and the ability to represent the school positively with parents, pupils, feeder schools and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and report on data effectively.
• High level of computer literacy; experience of CRM or admissions database systems is advantageous.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities with the capacity to prioritise and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• A collaborative, supportive and “hands-on” team player who leads by example.
• A proactive problem solver who can think ahead and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Reliable, approachable and customer-service focused with a positive “can-do” attitude.
• A sense of humour, calmness under pressure, and the ability to cope with the unexpected.

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.