Registrar

University College School; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory staff pension

Housing assistance (staff)

Season ticket loans

UCS Active gym facilities

Free lunches

Job summary

University College School (UCS) is seeking a dynamic Registrar to lead the admissions function across Hampstead campuses. You will manage the end-to-end process, oversee 11+ and 16+ assessments, and coordinate events and student-recruitment activities.

You will also supervise the admissions team and ensure data, GDPR, and policy compliance. Working with the Director of Marketing and Admissions and senior leadership, you will drive communications across website and publications to articulate

Qualifications

• Experience in independent school admissions processes.
• Experience developing marketing strategies for high-end service providers.
• Ability to analyse data and identify trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, highly organised and able to work under time pressure.
• Experience supervising/managing a small team.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end admissions from first enquiry through to assessment, offer and joining, with a best-in-class experience.
• Lead the 11+ and 16+ admissions and assessment processes, including examinations and interviews.
• Plan and deliver admissions events (Open Evenings, fairs) and represent UCS at external school events.
• Oversee Bursaries and Music Scholarships within admissions and drive KPIs.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Admissions to promote UCS and communications across channels.
• Take overall responsibility for admissions systems, data, GDPR/DPA compliance, and portal efficiency.
• Maintain the Admissions Policy and support Terms & Conditions.
• Analyze admissions data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
• Develop relationships with feeder schools and partners; host visits and events.
• Lead and manage the Admissions team and provide professional development.
• Cross-check applicants with Head of Finance to verify ability to pay fees.

Skills

Independent admissions

Marketing strategy

Data analysis

Communication

Time management

Team leadership

Tech adaptability

Job description

University College School (UCS) is one of the top independent schools in the UK. Operating as three schools at separate sites in Hampstead, it educates 1300 pupils from age 4 to 18. The main aims of the school are the pursuit of academic excellence with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and breadth of study. For further information about UCS, refer to our website www.ucs.org.uk

The Present Vacancy

UCS is looking for a dynamic, motivated Registrar to lead the admissions function, ensuring a seamless, engaging experience for prospective pupils and their families. This pivotal role requires exceptional interpersonal skills and will play a key part in engaging prospective families throughout the process, converting inquiries into enrolments, and building and maintaining strong relationships with feeder schools and educational partners.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously improve the end-to-end admissions process, from first enquiry through to assessment, offer and joining, ensuring a best-in-class experience tailored to each entry point.
• Lead the effective delivery of the 11+ and 16+ admissions and assessment process, as designed by the Head. Work closely with the Head and other academic colleagues to deliver entrance examinations, interviews, and other assessments, and provide the data and insight needed to support pupil selection.
• Lead the planning and delivery of admissions events, including Open Evenings, entrance examinations, interviews, assessment activities and other key recruitment activities, such as UCS representation at external school fairs.
• Oversee Bursaries and Music Scholarships within the admissions process, working with the Director of Marketing and Admissions to drive awareness and a strong pipeline, together with the Head, Head of Finance, Director of Music, the Bursaries Co-ordinator and other colleagues to achieve agreed Bursary and Music Award KPIs.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Admissions and Marketing Manager to support pupil recruitment across the foundation and promote UCS, ensuring that admissions communications, together with all key communications vehicles including website, social media and publications, effectively communicate the school’s proposition and are accurate, compelling, and up to date.
• Take overall responsibility for admissions systems, data and compliance, including the online admissions portal, candidate records, GDPR/DPA requirements, with a particular focus on maximising the admissions portal’s functionality to improve efficiency, insight and application experience.
• Maintain the Admissions Policy and support the COO to maintain the Terms & Conditions.
• Analyse admissions data and trends to generate actionable insight, identify recruitment and conversion opportunities and shape the ongoing development of admissions strategy, advising senior leaders on the competitive landscape and opportunities to strengthen UCS's market position.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with feeder schools and relevant partners, including feeder school pupil visits and representing UCS at feeder school fairs and hosting on-site events.
• Lead and manage the Admissions team, providing strategic direction and day-to-day support and opportunities for professional development.
• Ensure admissions applicants at all entry points from pre-existing, current UCS families are cross-checked with the Head of Finance to verify ability to pay fees.

This role will report to the Director of Marketing and Admissions, while working under the direction of the relevant Heads on matters related to assessment design and pupil selection. This role will also work closely with SLT, Bursaries Coordinator, Marketing and Communications Manager, the Junior Branch and Pre-Prep Admissions teams and other key colleagues.

Other

• Actively follow all relevant UCS policies, including Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Fire and Health & Safety.
• Attend OPS staff and academic staff meetings as and when required.
• Undergo training as required and in line with departmental objectives.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, the title of the post and its grading, as requested by the Director of Marketing & Admissions or Executive Head.

Requirements for the Position

• Experience of independent school admissions processes, gained through an admissions, teaching or related role.
• Experience of developing and implementing successful marketing strategies for high-end service providers.
• Ability to analyse data and identify trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, highly organised and able to work under time pressure.
• Ability to adapt readily to new technologies.
• Experience supervising/managing a small team.

Terms

The salary for the post will be £50,000–£55,000 per annum. Benefits include a contributory staff pension scheme, interest-free housing and season ticket loans, discounted use of the on-site gym facilities (UCS Active) and free lunches.

Arrangements for the Appointment

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday 28th September 2026. However, please note that we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during this process; early applications are therefore very welcome.

University College School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. This is a requirement as the position is within a school working with children aged under 18. UCS will also undertake its own recruitment checks through contact with previous employers, and others, to confirm applicants' identities and their professional records.