Education Referrals & Admissions Coordinator

Location: Accrington, Lancashire (BB5)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner)

Setting: Large Alternative Provision (AP) Multi-Academy Trust

We are seeking a highly organised, communicative, and proactive Education Referrals & Admissions Coordinator to join our large, reputable Alternative Provision (AP) Trust based at our central hub in Accrington (BB5).

In this vital, highly visible role, you will be the face of our Trust, acting as the primary point of contact for the Local Authority (Lancashire County Council), mainstream secondary schools, and specialised education panels. You will manage the end-to-end referral and admissions pipeline, ensuring vulnerable young people are matched with the right holistic education program smoothly and efficiently.

This is a fast-paced, customer-facing administration and coordination role. You will bridge the gap between commissioning bodies (schools and councils) and our internal education teams, managing pupil referrals from initial inquiry through to a successful school start.

• Local Authority & School Liaison: Build and maintain excellent professional relationships with Local Authority inclusion teams, SENDCos, and Headteachers.

• Referral Pipeline Management: Be the central point for all incoming placement applications, reviewing complex referral documentation, risk assessments, and pupil histories.

• Customer-Facing Coordination: Lead meetings, respond to placement inquiries via phone and email, and guide families and professional bodies through our admissions criteria.

• Data & Compliance: Maintain meticulous, up-to-date records of available student places across our academy sites, tracking trends, data compliance, and SLAs.

• Panel Presentation: Represent the Trust at local authority panel meetings, confidently communicating how our specialised provisions can support referred pupils.

• Education Sector or Local Authority Experience: A strong background working within school admissions, SEND administration, alternative provision, or local authority education services is highly advantageous.

• Exceptional Communication Skills: A natural, polished relationship-builder who can handle sensitive information with total diplomacy, empathy, and professionalism.

• Organisational Excellence: The ability to prioritise a heavy caseload, manage tight deadlines, and navigate complex referral paperwork efficiently.

• Tech-Savvy: Proficient in education management systems (SIMS, Arbor, or similar) and standard office software.

• Location & Commute: Based in or easily commutable to Accrington (BB5), with proximity to Blackburn (BB1/BB2), Burnley (BB10/BB11), or Haslingden (BB4).

• Competitive Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum (Full-time contract).

• Fulfilling Work: Play a pivotal role in ensuring vulnerable young people, who have struggled in mainstream settings, get a fresh start in a nurturing environment.

• Excellent Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and a supportive team dynamic.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your CV, or contact our Lancashire Education Recruitment Central Team today for a confidential discussion regarding this Accrington-based role.