Head of Service School Admissions

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Birmingham is seeking a Head of Service for School Admissions and Fair Access. This hybrid role involves strategic leadership of school admissions and ensuring compliance with educational legislation. The ideal candidate has experience in managing change, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to educational equity. Join a supportive leadership team and make a direct impact on the educational lives of children in Birmingham.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Support for employees with caring responsibilities

Commitment to inclusivity

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic leadership and managing change.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in statistical reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams covering school admissions and appeals.
• Ensure compliance with the School Admissions Code and Fair Access Protocols.
• Produce guidance and deliver training to internal teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of Service School Admissions and Fair Access

Permanent

Grade 7 £66,627 - £85,845. Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity review

Working 36.5 hours per week.

The role is hybrid however the post holder would be required to work from Birmingham City Council buildings as business needs dictate.

We believe every child deserves the best possible education. This is your opportunity to lead a dynamic and high performing School Admissions and Fair Access team, delivering statutory responsibilities that directly impact the lives of children and families across Birmingham.

As the strategic lead for school admissions, you will oversee the main annual admissions round and in-year admissions process, ensuring full compliance with the legislative framework. You will play a key role in shaping local policy, building strong relationships with schools and families, and ensuring fair and transparent access to education for all.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage four teams covering school admissions, appeals, fair access and in-year admissions, and ICT/data processing.
• Ensure compliance with the School Admissions Code (2021), School Admissions Appeals Code, and Fair Access Protocols.
• Oversee the determination of admission arrangements for Birmingham’s community and voluntary controlled schools.
• Monitor and challenges compliance with statutory requirements across all schools.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including schools and families.
• Oversee the main admissions round and in-year admissions.
• Produce guidance and deliver training to internal teams and external partners.

We are looking for an experienced leader with a thorough understanding of school admissions legislation and a passion for educational equity.

You will have

• Proven experience in strategic leadership and managing change in a complex environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in statistical reporting and data management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

This is a fast-paced, high-pressure, and rewarding role, where your work will directly support the educational journeys of thousands of children and young people. You will be part of a supportive leadership team committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.

For any informal enquires please contact: [e-mail]

Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquires please contact: [e-mail]

We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Please view the Job Description and Person Specification.