Team Lead - Admissions & Free School Meals
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £53,051 - £57,439 per annum
INTERNAL ONLY (Devon County Council Employees Only)
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to head our School Admissions and Free School Meals Service, ensuring that Devon County Council meets its statutory responsibilities to secure access to education for children and young people across the county.
This is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for a large-scale operational service that manages over 21,000 school applications annually, including admissions at key transition points and in-year applications. The postholder will lead a multi-disciplinary team of Senior Admissions Managers, Admissions Officers and Support Staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant admissions and free school meals services.
You will oversee the coordination of Devon's school admissions arrangements, ensuring that all admissions processes are delivered within statutory timescales and in accordance with national legislation, guidance and the School Admissions Code. You will also lead Devon's Fair Access Panel arrangements, working collaboratively with schools and partner agencies to secure education for vulnerable and hard-to-place children, ensuring that every child receives their entitlement to suitable full-time education.
As Devon County Council's subject matter expert on school admissions, you will provide strategic advice to senior leaders, elected members and external partners, representing the authority at local, regional and national forums. You will also play a key role in ensuring that the council fulfils its corporate parenting responsibilities, securing appropriate educational provision for children in care and previously looked after children.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader with strong strategic, operational and partnership working skills to influence educational access and outcomes for thousands of children and families across Devon.
Interview Date: w/c 21/09/2026
For an informal discussion please contact Neil Keen neil.keen@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Reference: REQ010553
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterDevon
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
REQ010553
- Occupational GroupManagement & Senior Management
- Salary Details
£53,051 - £57,439 per annum
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
19/09/2026
- DBS Check Required
No