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Senior Admissions Secretary Information for applicants

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THE SCHOOL

At Putney we believe that thinking should be “out of the box”, not “tick the box”! As experts in their fields, our teachers bring to the classroom an infectious passion for their subjects and ensure that every student can be stretched, challenged and inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Putney High School has been leading the way in girls’ education since its foundation in 1893. We build confident, creative thinkers and deliver an education that is truly relevant to their future. Our community is energetic, fun and above all, down-to-earth. Happy and supported within a democratic environment, our students achieve outstanding results and develop the character and the resourcefulness to make their mark in whatever they choose to pursue.

Ours is a culture of curiosity and openness to new ideas. Our Breathe programme is central to a holistic approach to education where mental and physical wellbeing go hand-in-hand with academic attainment. We are leaders in teaching and learning research and at the forefront of digital technology in education. An award-winning careers programme is bolstered by an established Residency programme, and Putney leavers go on to the finest institutions in the UK and abroad, including Oxbridge, Central St Martin’s and the Royal Academy of Music.

As part of the school’s commitment to cross-

curricular learning and STEAM education, a new Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre is

scheduled to open in 2021. It will be a space for pupils and staff to come together to learn, to

discuss and to perform, enhancing what is a truly 21st century education.

A spirited and vibrant school, our ethos is to be:

Inquisitive, intellectually curious and love learning

Ambitious, bold and striving for excellence

Innovative and open minded

A collaborative and democratic community

Which acts with integrity, kindness and a sense of moral purpose

Down to earth

Putney High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, a charitable trust and leading group of

independent girls’ schools, with over 4000 staff and 20,000 students in 23 schools. Further information

on Putney High School and The Girls’ Day School Trust can be found at:

www.putneyhigh.gdst.net and www.gdst.net. The most recent full Educational Quality ISI inspection in 2015 awarded the school the highest possible grading in all categories; the full report can be found here.

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WORKING FOR THE GDST

The school is part of the GDST, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools. We can offer a variety of benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay progression

• Access to extensive professional development opportunities

• Training grants for qualifications

• Generous pension schemes

• Free life assurance benefit

• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans

• A Cycle to Work scheme

• Competitive terms and conditions of employments

To view a 360 degree tour of our school, please

visit:

SENIOR SCHOOL: https://youtu.be/7fk7-fJKfe4

JUNIOR SCHOOL: https://youtu.be/yiurjRUJwdE

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THE DEPARTMENT

The Admissions Team

The admissions team is part of the Communications, Admissions and Development Department, responsible for internal and external communication with all stakeholders, from prospective and current parents to alumnae and the local community.

The Admissions team is led by the Registrar, who is assisted by the Senior Admissions Secretary and the Admissions Assistant. Together they ensure all prospective parents and pupils receive a first class service from their initial enquiry and/or open day visit through to application, assessment and throughout the selection process.

The main entry points for Senior School are 11plus (Year 7) and 16plus (Year 12).

As a popular and leading school, we attract interest from many prospective families and our team cheerfully manage a demanding workload whilst also offering a service which puts the individual applicant at its heart.

We use the SIMS database and OpenApply (online admissions system).

Being part of the wider Communications, Admissions and Development Department allows for greater collaboration, bringing with it benefits of creativity, team spirit and opportunity. A Putney High School education is dynamic, forward thinking and fun—and we like to demonstrate this in our approach.

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THE ROLE

To provide a professional, comprehensive and effective admissions service and to ensure that all prospective families receive a positive impression of the school

Accountable to:

Registrar

Salary:

Grade 4 of the Support Staff Salary Scale

£27,342 - £32,814 (depending on experience)

Hours:

36 hours per week all year round

This position will involve some out of hours working to attend events in the evenings

Holidays:

30 days to be taken during school holidays

Plus 8 Bank Holidays

As one of the UK’s leading schools, Putney High School is rightly proud of its exceptional academic results and pastoral care. A spirit of intellectual agility and engagement is at the heart of the school’s ethos, with pupils stretched, challenged and supported inside the classroom and beyond.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities

• To maintain a comprehensive enquiries database/records system from initial application through to offer and acceptance

• To produce reports to inform strategic planning, using Microsoft Excel formulas to manipulate data

• To deal confidently, professionally and efficiently with telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries to ensure that all applicants receive a positive impression of the school

• To help to coordinate arrangements throughout the admissions process, including arranging interviews and assessments

• To write accurate and appropriate emails and letters at all stages of the admissions process, ranging from individual responses to preparing mail-merged mail-outs.

• To help with the organisation of events such as Open Days and induction events, both in person and virtually

• To process applications in OpenApply (online admissions system) in accordance with required procedures

• To compile statistical information and pupil lists and information as required

• To maintain a comprehensive statistical database and, liaising with the Registrar, to

provide data to the GDST, icreating and running regular reports in SIMS and OpenApply for relevant stakeholders

• To help to maintain the admissions area of the school website

• To help maintain online resources for new parents joining the school, in our virtual learning environment Firefly

Training and Development of Self

• Regularly review own practice, set personal development targets and take responsibility for own continuous professional development

• Attend relevant INSET courses

Supporting the work of the GDST

• Develop strong, positive relationships with GDST colleagues, contribute to collaborative work across GDST schools and support other staff in participating in GDST work, in order to develop and share best practice

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JOB DESCRIPTION

All school staff are expected to:

• Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan

• Contribute towards to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities

• Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding students

• Work within the school’s Health and Safety policy, to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors

• Work within the GDST’s Diversity Policy to promote quality of opportunity for all students and staff, both current and prospective

• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues

• Engage actively in the performance review process

• Adhere to policies as set out in the GDST Council Regulations , GDST Hub for schools and GDST circulars

• Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time

This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review, in consultation with the recognised trade union.

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THE PERSON

The successful candidate will have the following key skills and attributes:

Essential:

• Excellent IT skills • Outstanding organisational and

administrative skills, particularly time-management and prioritization of workload

• Confidence in using Microsoft Word and Excel at an advanced level, including mail-merge

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

• The ability to form good relationships with colleagues, parents and the wider community

• An optimistic, calm approach • The ability to work accurately and with a

keen eye for detail • Knowledge of SIMS database would be

an advantage • Knowledge of Googledrive - particularly

Google Forms and Google Sheets - would be an advantage

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HOW TO APPLY

Application:

Please apply sending a covering letter to Mrs Suzie Longstaff, Head, and a completed application form to recruitment@put.gdst.net

CVs are not accepted without a fully completed application form

Closing Date:

Monday 12th October 2020—by 12.00 midday

Interviews date: to be scheduled soon after the closing date.

Required from: As soon as possible

Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to bring original identification documents (e.g. passport) and if applicable proof of eligibility to work/reside in the UK as well as documents confirming educational and professional qualifications. A confirmation of your address within the last three months is also required.

Putney High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of chil-dren, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Additional Information

Any candidate wishing to seek additional information should contact:

Helen Batchelor, HR Manager

Email: recruitment@put.gdst.net

Tel: 020 8788 4886

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