Hampton is one of the country’s leading, most successful and best-resourced independent schools and has been helping boys to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations for over 460 years.
Our community is vibrant, dynamic and happy, making it a wonderful place to teach and learn. Members of the Common Room are talented and hugely supportive of one another and their pupils; they share their love of learning with young people who are bright, intellectually inquisitive and aspirational.
Hampton is a lively, friendly and inclusive School where we aspire to enable our boys to not only to make sense of the world, but also to want to go out and improve it. Above all, Hamptonians are encouraged and indeed expected to aspire to personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.
The Hampton School Trust is one of the country’s leading and most successful groups of independent schools. Comprising Hampton (ages 11–18), whose history spans over 460 years, Hampton Prep (ages 7–11) and Hampton Pre-Prep (ages 3–7), the Trust brings together three exceptional schools within a vibrant, inclusive and values-led community dedicated to enabling young people to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
Situated in a leafy suburb of South West London, our Schools benefit from first class facilities and resources, as well as a powerful and distinctive culture of belonging among staff and pupils. In September 2026, Hampton and Hampton Prep will formally become a 7–18 all-through school, marking an exciting new chapter in the Trust’s development.
The Millennium Boat House, shared with our neighbouring girls’ school, Lady Eleanor Holles, has a prime location on the nearby River Thames, and provides the focal point for our popular and successful Boat Club.
Hamptonians’ examination results and university entrance record consistently rank in the top echelon nationally and indeed internationally. Nearly all Hampton leavers go on to undergraduate courses at Russell Group or equivalent universities; around 25 pupils are offered places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, and a significant number move on to global top-10 universities. We also support pupils who wish to study at universities in North America or Europe, some of whom secure academic and/or sporting scholarships.
At Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep Schools, we provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where every child is celebrated as an individual.
Across all Schools in the Trust, there is a shared commitment to academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a wide ranging co-curricular programme, underpinned by a culture and ethos that encourages pupils to aspire to their personal best while supporting one another with kindness and respect.
Each school offers a distinct yet complementary educational experience: a joyful and nurturing foundation in the Pre-Prep, where children build the strongest possible foundations for a lifelong love of learning; an ambitious and academically challenging curriculum in the Prep, where pupils develop confidence, character and a genuine passion for discovery; and a dynamic, highachieving environment at Hampton, where pupils benefit from boundless co-curricular opportunities and consistently secure places at leading universities in the UK and worldwide.
Our new Head of Admissions will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a cohesive, strategic approach to admissions across all three Schools, ensuring that the Trust continues to attract and admit pupils who will thrive in our inclusive community.
Hampton’s notably diverse, socially inclusive nature is an especially cherished part of our DNA; we are far from being a stereotypical public school. Currently, 7% of our boys (around 100 in total) attend on meanstested, free places, many of which are funded by a separate but closely linked educational charity, The Fitzwygram Foundation.
‘One of the most genuinely inclusive, diverse independent schools in the London area’. Good Schools Guide
A copy of the full ISI report can found on the School website and a summary booklet of the inspection team’s key findings is linked here.
Please click here to view the Job Description.
Further Information for prospective colleagues is linked here.
Head of Admissions
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced admissions professional to join the Hampton School Trust at an especially interesting moment in its development. As the Trust implements its new all-through 7–18 model, the Head of Admissions will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering pupil recruitment across Hampton, Hampton Prep and Hampton Pre-Prep.
Working closely with The Headmaster, Head of PrePrep and Prep and the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Admissions will lead all aspects of admissions with a proactive, forward-thinking and data-informed approach, s/he will attract and secure high-calibre applicants who have strong alignment with the Trust's ethos and values. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring that prospective new pupils experience clear, consistent and engaging communication at every stage of the Hampton admissions process.
With a strong focus on excellence and exceptional customer service, the Head of Admissions will ensure that all interactions, from initial enquiry through to joining the School engages, reassures and inspires prospective families, fully reflecting the School's warmth, professionalism and inclusivity.
Being a member of the Marketing Committee and working alongside senior colleagues across the Trust, our new Head of Admissions will oversee our integrated approach to recruitment, that is in step with the School's marketing strategy and strengthens the Trust's strong, exciting position in an increasingly competitive market.
The Head of Admissions role is full-time, 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday during term time, although hours may differ during the school holidays. The successful candidate may also on occasion be required to spend time at Hampton Pre-Prep or Hampton Prep School.
We encourage applications as soon as possible and reserve the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time prior to the closing date.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental to our ethos and the School has a thriving partnerships programme.
The responsibilities below outline the core elements of the role and are not exhaustive. The post will evolve over time in response to the needs of the Hampton School Trust. The Head of Admissions role reports to the Deputy Head (Academic) and then The Headmaster.
Main responsibilities:
Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and deliver a clear, data-informed admissions strategy aligned with the strategic objectives of the Hampton School Trust
- Take overall responsibility for meeting agreed pupil recruitment targets across Hampton, Hampton Prep and Hampton Pre-Prep
- Lead the Admissions team’s role in promoting and advocating the new all-through 7-18 school ensuring clarity of communications and strong relationship building with Prep families to maximise retention
- Monitor sector developments, market trends, demographic shifts and competitor activity to ensure the Trust remains well positioned in a competitive market
- Produce regular reports for The Headmaster, SLT and governors including market insights to support strategic planning
- Line manage the Admissions team.
Admissions Operations
- Oversee all aspects of the admissions process from initial enquiry to enrolment, ensuring the Trust’s ethos and values are consistently communicated to prospective families and primary/prep schools at every stage
- Ensure a consistent, personalised and welcoming admissions approach across all Trust schools, with common shared processes, standards and expectations
- Lead the planning and implementation of the annual admissions cycle, ensuring that assessments, events and communications are co-ordinated effectively across the Trust and provide families with a warm, positive and supportive experience throughout
- Identify and implement technological solutions to enhance efficiency, improve data accuracy, and strengthen the admissions experience for prospective families
- Continuously review and refine the Trust’s admissions processes, including scholarships and bursaries, to ensure they are transparent, efficient and welcoming
- Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective families, primary/prep schools and the wider community
- Ensure a smooth school transition for all pupils and their families, including those already in the Trust
- Oversee the implementation of high-quality admissions events, including open days, visitors’ events, assessment days, taster sessions and offer-holder events
- Develop and maintain a strong primary/prep school engagement programme, including regular and personalised communication with primary/prep Heads.
Data Insights and Reporting
- Lead the collection, analysis and reporting of admissions data to provide clear insights into enquiry, application and recruitment trends
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of admissions activities, using KPIs to inform improvements and new initiatives
- Benchmark performance against competitor schools to inform future planning and strategy
- Use data and other analytical tools to inform decision-making, communications and admissions activities.
Marketing and Communications
- Work closely with the Marketing Committee to ensure consistent, high-quality communication with prospective families and primary/prepschools
- Ensure all admissions marketing activities and communications are aligned with the Trust Marketing Strategy and the new all-through 7-18 School model
- Oversee the development and maintenance of admissions collaterals (digital and print)
- Use data and insights to develop and tailor recruitment communications
- Work with senior colleagues across the Trust to support partnership initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging and strong relationship-building.
Admissions Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop the Admissions Team, fostering a collaborative, professional and high-performing working environment
- Maintain exceptional standards of service across all communication points
- Engage teaching and support staff colleagues in admissions activities, promoting a culture of shared responsibility for excellence in pupil recruitment.
Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all admissions policies, GDPR requirements, safeguarding regulations; maintain robust processes and clear documentation that reflects the Trust’s commitment to best practice
- Ensure compliance with the HMC Code of Practice and other relevant sector guidance over admissions practices
- Keep up-to-date with developments in data protection and safeguarding, and proactively update processes and policies as required
- Any other reasonable duties as required by The Headmaster, the Bursar or the Deputy Head (Academic).
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will be an experienced, people-focused leader who reflects the Hampton School Trust’s commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service.
Experience
- Significant experience in admissions within the independent education sector
- A strong track record of developing and implementing successful admissions and recruitment strategies
- Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders and contributing to organisational planning
- Strong team leadership experience, with a focus on mentoring, development and performance management
- Confident in the use of data, systems and CRM platforms to inform decision making and improve outcomes
- Proven experience of planning and delivering high-impact events and managing complex, largescale, operational processes
- Well-developed understanding of the independent school market and the factors influencing parental choice in the SW London/Surrey market
- Strong awareness of market trends, demographic changes, and competitor marketing activity
- Understanding of data protection (GDPR), safeguarding and compliance requirements in an admissions context
- Skilled in leading complex meetings.
Skills
- Strategic and creative thinker with strong commercial awareness
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, combining professionalism with warmth and empathy for prospective families
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and generate purposeful insights
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Confident and adaptable in using IT systems and willing to embrace new technologies
- Strong project management skills, with a track record of achieving successful outcomes.
Personal Attributes
- Commitment to excellence and exceptional service for prospective families
- Approachable, professional and personable, with warmth and credibility
- Resilient, adaptable and able to think clearly under pressure
- Proactive and solutions-focused, with energy and drive for improvement and innovation
- Collaborative and flexible in style, with hands-on approach and the ability to lead, motivate and inspire others
- Integrity, discretion and respect for confidentiality
- Genuine enthusiasm for education and the distinctive values of the Hampton School Trust.
Hours and Holidays
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm but with the high level of flexibility and commitment that the nature of the admissions process requires, particularly during the peak October to mid-March period. Some evening and weekend work is also required to support entrance assessments, interviews, open events and primary/prep school events. The role is primarily based at Hampton to ensure close collaboration with colleagues and prospective families, although some hybrid working during the School holidays will be considered for the right candidate. Annual leave should be taken during the School holidays wherever possible and agreed with the Line Manager in advance.
Salary
The salary will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate’s skills and experience. The Hampton School Trust Governors also currently offer the following non-contractual benefits to staff, subject to any terms and conditions and the School’s eligibility requirements: death-in-service benefit insurance policy; Private Health Insurance; a Medicash healthcare cash plan; enrolment in an appropriate Pension Scheme, personal accident insurance, School fee remission, cycle to work scheme, lunch, sports facilities and counselling. Accommodation may also be available. Hampton School Trust is pleased to be a London Living Wage employer. Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and noncontractual benefits are provided at the discretion of the Governors. And may be withdrawn or changed at any time.
Training
Where necessary, to attend INSET training or undergo other training to increase competence, proficiency and safety awareness.
- To act as Fire Marshal and First Aider as required. Training will be provided
- Any other reasonable tasks required by the Deputy Head (Academic), The Headmaster and/or Bursar in association with the above role.
Please note that there may be some changes and additions to the above. This document is designed to provide applicants with a flavour of the position and responsibilities. It is not necessarily comprehensive and exhaustive.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as Sponsorship is not available.
Equal Opportunities
It is the policy of Hampton School Trust to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and to prohibit discrimination in employment on any basis protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, colour, religious creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition or disability. Hampton promotes equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment through positive employment policies and practices.
If any special requirements or access arrangements are required to attend an interview, please inform us.
Offers of employment will be made on merit, suitability of qualifications and experience, in pursuit of our policy of equal opportunities
Safeguarding
The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the Trust’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times. We reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process.
Further details of the Hampton School Trust are available on our websites.
This post involves working with children, it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Please note all appointments are subject to the Hampton School Trust Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure.
The School is legally required to carry out a number of pre-appointment checks which are detailed in the School's Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The information you are being asked to provide in this form is required so that the School can comply with those legal obligations should your application be successful. Please note that in order to be considered for a position at the School, you must complete this application form. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
Hampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment.
