Layout 1 - AMCIS€¦ · Web viewThe majority are day pupils with a small number of boarders. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, all of the girls in

Kent College Pembury, Old Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4AX

KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY

Director of External Relations Full Time

January 2020

KENT COLLEGE______________________________________________________INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3-18


Background Founded in Folkestone in 1886, Kent College is an independent day and boarding school for girls, with a Senior School (ages 11-18) and Preparatory School (ages 3-11) sharing the same site, facilities and some specialist staff. The school is one of a group of ten schools under the control of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust. The school has a resident Chaplain who leads the Christian worship in the school.

Since 1939, Kent College has been located on 75 acres of beautiful countryside in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells. The school campus comprises an elegant Victorian manor house and purpose-built modern facilities, including boarding houses, a music centre, science building, sports hall, A level study centre, and an indoor, heated swimming pool. The school is committed to a continuous programme of development and the resources are excellent. IT provision is first-rate, including the number of interactive white boards, laptops and data projectors. In 2008 a new science wing was opened, providing inspirational science laboratories, and recent boarding refurbishment includes an extension of ICT facilities to individual study areas. The Countess of Wessex Theatre reopened in 2012 following extensive refurbishment and an iconic Library and Arts Centre opened in spring 2013. Our additional Sports Hall is now complete and was opened in October 2015.

The Senior School The current roll in the Senior School is approximately 400 and attracts girls from all over the world. Entry at eleven and thirteen is by the school’s own entrance test and the school accepts quite a wide range of academic ability, with approximately half of our KS3 intake within the top 25% of the national ability range.

Kent College offers a choice of over 25 GCSE subjects, with group sizes usually between three and eighteen. Top students will be aiming for ten top grades at GCSE or IGCSE, less academic students may take eight subjects. In summer 2018, 58% of GCSE grades awarded were 9-7 or equivalent and the school’s value added was among the best in the country, based on predictions at KS3 baseline data. Excellence was seen in core subjects such as English, Languages and Science, with 93% of all English Literature grades being 7-9. The school is in a highly competitive area with girls’ grammar schools, strong comprehensives and many independent schools locally.

Students are also accepted for entry at 16+ and there are approximately 100 girls studying for A-level courses. In 2018 At A-level there were 63% A*-B grades and 40% A*-A Grades. The 27 subjects are mostly of the more traditional type with class sizes at 16+ normally ranging between three and 12. Scholarships to the Senior School are offered at 11+, 13+, 16+ and means-tested


bursaries are available.

The Prep School In 1939, the School moved to its current site in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells. In 1945, a Prep School was opened in the centre of Tunbridge Wells and in 1989; it was moved to the Senior School site in Pembury into architect-designed purpose built accommodation. The move also enabled the Prep School to benefit from a range of excellent facilities, which now include an indoor heated swimming pool, sports hall, theatre and dining hall.

The Prep School is a friendly, caring and happy school with a current roll of approximately 150 girls aged 3 to 11 (Nursery – Year 6). The majority are day pupils with a small number of boarders. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, all of the girls in Key Stage 2 study Geography, History, Art, DT and RE, ICT Taught from Year 1 upwards. Specialist teachers in Music, French, Drama, PE and Swimming work with girls throughout the school, ICT is taught from Year 1 upwards and Mandarin is now also taught in Year 6. Class sizes in KS1 and KS2 are a maximum of 18. Each year, a number of girls apply for and are awarded scholarships to the Senior School.

Extra-curricular Activities (ECAs)Kent College places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities and has a flexible and innovative lunchtime and evening programme of prep and activity sessions. Boarders can choose when they do their prep and day girls choose whether to do homework at home or at school. All girls participate in extra-curricular activities and are encouraged to plan the use of their time so that they follow a balanced programme of academic work and extra-curricular activities. The pastoral care in the school is very strong and all staff are highly involved in PSHCE and general pastoral matters. All teaching staff are required to be involved in at least one ECA and most do more than this, as both subject and general ECA are available.

InspectionThe school underwent a full integrated inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in December 2015 and was found to be excellent in all areas. The report together with other information about Kent College can be found on our website at www.kent-college.co.uk

Benefits Kent College Pembury employs over 200 people in both academic and support staff positions. Highly skilled, dedicated and passionate staff are the driving force behind our ‘Excellent’ school.

We are delighted to welcome applications from candidates who share our core values and who are able to contribute to our continued future success. We recruit staff of the highest calibre who will inspire, support and challenge the girls, and fellow colleagues, to achieve their full potential. Whatever your role, you will benefit from a being part of a large staff community with opportunities for professional development.

We believe in rewarding our staff and offer a complete range of employee benefits including:

Reduced school fees Free meals during working hours Free eye tests Subsidised Flu Vaccinations Free onsite parking On-going training and development Use swimming pool and fitness suite (at allocated times)

http://www.kent-college.co.uk/


Purpose and rationale of the roleThe key focus for the Director of External Relations is to develop the School’s public profile and reputation in order to ensure that it attracts and retains girls from across Kent and the surrounding counties, as well as UK and international boarders. The Director of External Relations will work closely with the Headmistress and Executive Team to develop coherent strategies for Communication, Pupil Recruitment and Retention, and Development that will help to deliver the objectives of Kent College Pembury as set out in the School’s Strategic Plan. The post holder will develop targets, priorities, resourcing and timetabling of these activities, managing related budgets and providing regular reports to the Headmistress, Executive Team and Governors.

The Director of External Relations will be responsible for ensuring effective communication with internal and external stakeholders including parents, pupils, staff, prospective parents, alumnae, the local community and the media in order to enhance national, local and internal standings.

This role reports directly to the Headmistress. Conditions, salary and benefitsThe normal working hours for this full time role are from 8:30 to 5:00, Monday to Friday throughout the year. Given this is a key strategic role in the school, the post-holder will be expected to work the hours necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, which will include working some weekends and evenings to support school functions and international recruitment events. All staff are required to attend INSET days.

In recognition of the requirement to work some evenings and weekends, the post holder will be entitled to 3 days in lieu to be taken in conjunction with key events, in addition to 30 days holiday


entitlement.

The salary will be dependent on skills and experience and will sit on the Kent College management scale starting within the range of SSM 2.1 (£45,772) and SSM 3.3 (£50, 283).

The Department The Marketing and Admissions department are a highly skilled, inspiring team of creative and dedicated professionals. The team work collaboratively and focus on delivering seamless customer service and industry leading marketing practises. The team has a strong can do attitude and is not afraid to experiment with new ideas. The department comprises a full time Marketing Manager (currently maternity cover) who has responsibility for campaigns and events, a part time Marketing Officer, who oversees all graphic design, a Registrar, who heads up the admissions function and a part time Admissions Officer who supports the Registrar.

The Role

Leadership and Management The Director of External Relations will be a member of the School’s Senior Management Team (SMT). They will be responsible for a small team and will enjoy a close working relationship with the Headmistress, Bursar, Head of Prep and the two Deputy Heads (Academic and Pastoral). S/he will motivate and guide everyone who contributes to the marketing and admissions functions and will provide training and mentoring as necessary.

Particular requirements are to:• Lead on the development and implementation of a long term strategy to support the

school’s 5 year plan and that will improve pupil recruitment, meet pupil targets and enhance the school’s image and position within the market

• Oversee the development of the annual Communication, Pupil Recruitment and Retention and Development Strategies and associated plans

• Present a fully costed annual strategy to the Executive Team and Governors and manage the budget accordingly

• Prepare a termly report for the Governors as directed by the Headmistress• Develop effective processes and systems for the department • Monitor departmental performance through the effective management of data and focus on KPIs• Ensure the highest possible standard of customer care and focus

Recruitment and Retention To oversee the admissions operations and systems (as led by the Registrar) to ensure smooth registration with timely and appropriate communication to prospective parents. The [role] will also develop and oversee the retention strategy and work closely with the Registrar and senior staff to ensure that current parents receive a high level of customer care.

In particular to:• Oversee all policies and procedures relating to the admission of new pupils and the

retention of current pupils• Oversee liaison with external advisors with regard to all UKVI applications on the School’s

behalf and ensure the relevant documentation is kept to meet regulatory requirements • Track, manage, analyse and regularly report on all elements of the admissions process

including enquiries, visits, registrations, new joiners and premature leavers using the school database

• Set and monitor admissions/leavers against intake targets and recommend actions that will enable targets to be met

• Direct marketing activity towards key recruitment needs and in particular entry at Reception, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+

• Develop and lead UK and international strategies for recruiting boarders • Actively identify, manage and develop key strategic relationships with agents and feeder schools • Develop and maintain a feeder school database and an agent database to inform recruitment strategies • Analyse admissions data to identify new trends, new developments/competitors


• Prepare marketing materials for exhibitions

Communications To oversee and maintain continuous dialogue and feedback with key internal and external stakeholders and to act a ‘brand guardian’. To:

• Ensure the consistency and relevance of the Kent College Pembury brand in accordance with the aims of the school

• Develop the school’s PR strategy across key markets and build awareness of the Kent College Pembury brand in the UK and international recruitment markets

• Liaise with key staff to strengthen community partnerships• Provide content, style management and design oversight of school publications and the website• Ensure that Kent College Pembury maintains an effective, relevant and compelling digital presence • Develop and implement an SEO programme, ensuring that the school consistently appears

in the first page for key search items • Analyse key digital metrics, including Google Analytics and social media statistics, to

inform future marketing activity • Manage the school’s social media activity, ensuring constant communication of school

news and providing advice on the appropriate channels, messages and activity • Develop an annual event programme aimed at prospective parents and the wider

community e.g. open days, feeder school events• In conjunction with the School Office, ensure current parents receive timely and relevant communications

MarketingTo take responsibility for the planning and implementation of marketing both externally and internally across the school, and:• Run effective marketing campaigns, delivering inspiring and creative recruitment events • Manage all elements of the school brand, acting ‘brand guardian’ to ensure that the brand

remains consistent with the values, personality and objectives of the school• Coordinate school wide approaches to ensure effective marketing and recruitment campaigns• Oversee the maintenance and continual development of the website• Present an annual advertising schedule to include digital and hard copy• Maintain a regular presence in local press with good news stories• Ensure that all literature remains up to date and ensure co-ordination with the school

office for communication with current parents, especially at transition points

Development and External RelationsDevelop community relations initiatives in support of marketing activities and the School’s broader development objectives by:• Taking a leading role in the strategic plan and development plan for Alumni relations and

the promotion of school developments, especially new facilities, staff successes and educational resources

• Engaging key stakeholders through the Kent College Society utilising a range of high-end events and other targeted events for alumni

• Establishing a programme of appropriate fundraising in support of the school’s development objectives• Fostering strong stakeholder and community partnerships to develop an understanding

and appreciation of the Kent College brand


Essential and desirable selection criteria

Criteria Essential Desirable Education Degree in marketing or related

subject or equivalent relevant experience

Relevant professional qualification together with evidence of commitment to continuous professional development (CPD)

Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing

Experience 3+ years of successfully managing and developing diverse teams and promoting a culture of high performance

Creating and implementing communication and marketing strategies

Resourcing and budget planning including managing budgets effectively

Copywriting and digital marketing experience

Understanding and appreciation of the independent school sector

Management of the press Brand implementation Engaging with customers

internationally to develop relationships and inform marketing strategies

Skills & Aptitudes Strong written and verbal communication skills

Customer focused Demonstrates a ‘can do’

positive attitude Inclusive team player Solid commercial acumen Creative thinker with

confidence to encourage innovation

Knowledge of marketing methods, practices and techniques

Strong inter-personal skills with good experience of customer relationship management

Flexible IT literate

Available for overseas travel

Application processThe completed application form, including the names and addresses of two referees, cv and a letter of application should be sent to Headmistress, Ms Julie Lodrick, Kent College, Old Church Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4AX by letter, fax (01892 820232) or email ([email protected])

Closing date: Friday 20 September 2019 by MiddayInterviews likely to be WC 28 October 2019Informal conversations or school visits prior to interviews can be arranged by HR.

References will be taken up prior to interview. One of the referees should normally be the


applicant’s current or most recent employer. The post requires the highest level of clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointees must be prepared to undergo child protection screening Child Protection and welfare are taken very seriously at Kent College, with guidelines on confidentiality and staff-pupil relationship procedures well-publicised to staff.

All gaps of employment are to be accounted for and rigorously investigated. Referees are contacted to ensure the validity of the reference. Testimonials are not acceptable in place of confidential references.

Documents

Layout 1 - AMCIS€¦ · Web viewThe majority are day pupils with a small number of boarders. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, all of the girls in