Head of Admissions and Marketing, Ashford School

The School Ashford School is an independent, coeducational, day and boarding school for children from 0-18, founded in 1898, and is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), the Boarding Schools Association (BSA), the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association (ISBA) and the Association for Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools (AMCIS).

There are nearly 1000 students in the whole School, divided equally between the Senior School (11-18) and the Prep School and Nurseries (0-11). We expect the number of students in the Senior School to grow over the next ten years and are planning developments which will allow this to happen progressively. At full capacity there are 170 boarders in the Senior School, mostly from overseas, cared for by a number of resident teachers and support staff; 20 nationalities are represented. Ashford School is in a select grouping with normally over 1000 students, which gives the School a sound financial footing. The demand for boarding from overseas families is usually high. Two of the three Early Years settings are at full capacity and admissions are buoyant, with substantial increases in Year 7 in particular.

The Role This role will oversee two specific key areas: Admissions and Marketing. These are all pivotal to the future growth and development of the School, taking the lead in developing and delivering outstanding pupil recruitment strategies for day and boarding pupils, and building on the positive relationships with all key stakeholders, both internal and external. The post holder will provide inspiring and motivational leadership for the existing Admissions and Marketing teams.

The Person We are seeking someone who will share the philosophy of ‘Inspiring Minds’ and will want to continue to develop the broad, vibrant, outward-looking educational approach which has become Ashford School’s hallmark. Along with alignment to this broad vision, we want a person who brings new ideas and approaches and will continue to generate excitement and energy in the School, while continuing to refine and improve what is already on offer.

Given the context for this post and the broad knowledge base required, candidates from (or connected to) the world of independent schools are encouraged. However, previous school experience is not an essential prerequisite: we invite applications from effective leaders with relevant experience from a range of backgrounds. The successful candidate will have the aptitude and capacity to bring the two key functions of the role together, fostering collaboration and consistency with the wider school. They will bring vision and creativity to enable further growth, to the benefit of the whole school. In addition, there needs to be a real empathy towards schools. A proactive willingness to embrace wholeheartedly the many benefits of being part of United Learning is essential, as is a genuine resonance with the group’s ethos and values.

To apply visit: https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/2601771?cid=1567

Note - We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications as soon as possible.

Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 8 April

Salary by negotiation and dependent on skills, attributes, and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education across England. As a group, we achieve more by sharing than any single school could.

Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates . We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.