STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIESMARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (PART-TIME)
The Marketing & Communications Officer will take ownership of the school’s marketing strategy, digital
presence, public relations and brand consistency.
You will report strategically to the School Business Manager, who will provide guidance, oversight and
support. However, the day-to-day leadership of marketing activity ,planning, prioritising and delivering, will
sit with the post holder.
This is an ideal opportunity for a creative individual who enjoys autonomy, responsibility and measurable
impact, while working within a happy and vibrant school environment.
SHAPE THE VOICE AND FUTURE OF A GROWING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Carleton House Preparatory School is seeking a strategic, creative and proactive Marketing &
Communications Officer to lead the next phase of the school’s visibility, reputation and admissions
development.
This is not simply a content-posting role. We are looking for someone who can think strategically, build
structured plans, strengthen our public profile, and help protect and grow pupil numbers in an increasingly
competitive independent school landscape.
The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping how the school is seen, understood and
experienced by prospective families and the wider community.
ABOUT CARLETON HOUSE
Carleton House is a nurturing and ambitious independent preparatory school with a strong reputation for
academic standards, pastoral care and successful preparation for senior schools.
At the heart of our success is our parent community. Our children are confident, articulate and full of
personality. We are looking for someone who not only understands marketing, but who genuinely enjoys
being around children and can capture the energy, warmth and individuality that defines our school.
As the independent school landscape becomes increasingly competitive, we are embedding a structured,
sustainable marketing function that protects pupil numbers, strengthens our brand and ensures long-term
growth.
STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be expected to:
- Develop and present a structured Marketing Strategy & Development Plan aligned to pupil recruitment
priorities
- Map and strengthen the full admissions journey (enquiry visit offer acceptance)
- Identify growth opportunities at key entry points, particularly Nursery and Reception
- Monitor competitor positioning and recommend differentiation strategies
- Establish clear KPIs and provide termly impact reporting
- Contribute to long-term brand and sustainability planning
PR & EXTERNAL RELATIONS
A central part of this role is proactively raising the school’s profile beyond social media.
You will:
- Draft and distribute press releases celebrating school successes
- Build relationships with local media and journalists
- Engage with PR agents where appropriate to extend reach
- Ensure pupil achievements, events and milestones are widely communicated
- Develop a forward-facing calendar of newsworthy moments
- Position the school as active, confident and forward-thinking within the local independent market
DIGITAL & BRAND LEADERSHIP
Social Media (Instagram Focus)
-
Plan, create and schedule engaging content
- Capture authentic school life through photography and short-form video
- Produce and edit video content sensitively and professionally
- Grow reach, engagement and follower base
Website & Admissions Support
- Keep the website current, accurate and strategically aligned
- Strengthen visibility of key admissions content
- Support promotion of Open Days and events
Brand Consistency
- Maintain a clear and consistent tone of voice
- Ensure “one voice, one look” across communications
- Design marketing materials using Canva
- Complete overhaul of all public facing documentation with one look and one voice.
REPORTING & SUPPORT STRUCTURE
This role reports strategically to the School Business Manager, who will provide direction, review and
support. You will work collaboratively with the Headteacher and wider staff to gather content and ensure
alignment.
However, the expectation is that you will:
- Take ownership of planning and execution
- Work independently and proactively
- Identify opportunities rather than waiting for instruction
- Maintain momentum throughout the year
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking someone who:
- Has a genuine warmth and enthusiasm for working in a school environment
- Enjoys interacting with children and can build positive, appropriate relationships
- Understands how to capture school life authentically and sensitively
- Is a strong written communicator with excellent attention to detail
- Can think strategically as well as deliver practically
- Has experience managing social media (Instagram essential)
- Is confident drafting press releases and engaging with media
- Is organised, self-motivated and proactive
- Is comfortable working within a safeguarding-led environment
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Experience developing marketing strategies
- PR or media engagement experience
- Video creation and editing skills
- Familiarity with website CMS platforms
- Experience within education or a community-focused organisation
WORKING PATTERN
- 15 hours per week
- Term-time only, plus two additional weeks
- Flexible working pattern (to be agreed)
- Attendance at key events (e.g. Open Mornings, Prize Night) required
- The school will provide an iPhone, laptop and filming equipment (stabiliser/gimbal and tripod).
SAFEGUARDING
Carleton House Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must adhere to safeguarding and
data protection procedures.
JOIN US?
To apply, please register via the registration form on our website. Once registered, you will receive the
full application pack, including detailed instructions and the formal application form. As part of your
submission, you will be required to complete the application form and provide a covering letter outlining
your suitability for the role, alongside a link to your digital portfolio or examples of your work for
reference.
The closing date for applications is 06 July 2026, shortlisting by 07 July 2026 with interviews scheduled to take place on 10 July 2026. We reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable
candidates.
We look forward to receiving your application.
