Job Introduction
The pay range for this role will be £52,413 – £60,357 (pro rata for part time colleagues)
We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.
You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site at: 'More than just a job' brochure
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole is a place where people and nature, coast and towns come together to offer a wealth of potential. At BCP Council we want to realise these possibilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to join a progressive large unitary authority whose Children’s Service Ofsted rating has moved from Inadequate to Good.
We have a culture that enables everyone to grow and develop. Ensuring employees have a positive work life balance is really important to us. We have an agile working policy, which enables our people to work flexibly either at home or in a number of locations principally at the Bournemouth Civic Centre but also civic hubs in Poole and Christchurch.
Role Purpose
This is a senior role within our Education and Skills Directorate, shaping policy and driving improvements in school admissions and home-to-school transport. You’ll ensure statutory compliance while delivering efficient, customer-focused processes that give children timely access to school places. Working collaboratively with schools, trusts, and partners, you’ll champion Fair Access and deliver services that make a real difference to families across our community.
Main Responsibilities
The role reports to the Head of Places and Capital and you will:
- Lead our statutory admissions and transport services, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
- Engage senior leaders and partners on policy changes and strategic planning.
- Manage our resources effectively to deliver cost efficiencies without compromising service quality.
- Oversee complex processes including Fair Access and appeals and act as lead contact for admissions and home to school transport eligibility.
- Contribute to school place planning and innovative travel solutions, including the development of independent travel training.
The Ideal Candidate
Candidates must have
- A degree in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and proven experience
- Ability to lead, manage and develop the school admissions and transport team
- Influencing and stakeholder management skills and the ability to build relationships with headteachers, elected members and multi-agency partners
- Experience of managing resources within the context of local government
- Experience in implementing change and transformation
We are looking to hold interviews on 20 and 21 January 2026.
Please contact Angie Hill on 01202 123249 for an informal chat about this position or email angie.hill@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
From 1 December 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new Pay and Reward package, shaped through close collaboration with our trade union partners. This marks a significant step forward in how we recognise and reward our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Our enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it’s flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first- we’re excited to welcome new colleagues into a Council that’s evolving to meet the needs of both our workforce and our communities.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
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