In the second part of her series, Tamsin Doar is heading out for a mooch, cautiously trying out loading, and surpassing all expectations at a show
The Sass Queen (right) is proud to pass on all she knows to Squish All images: Tamsin Doar
One thing I noticed with The Sass Queen is that she learned and processed by watching. I decided the same was probably true of Squish, so anytime the farrier came to shoe the others, Squish would be brought in and tied up next to them to watch. The noise, the smell … the whole experience initially seemed totally confusing to her, but after a couple of visits she’d happily stand and munch at her haynet and let the farrier give her a trim when needed. Although she won’t need clipping for a few years yet (her current woolly-mammoth state is testament to this), if I’m clipping, she’ll stand next to whoever I’m working on so she can see what’s going on, hear the clippers and see there’s really nothing to worry about. My plan for this winter is to slowly progress to just holding the clippers next to her with my hand in between so she can feel the vibrations. To some this might seem excessive – she’s still so young – but I’ve found that making them confident while they’re young is far easier than trying to persuade a fully-grown equine teenager: they’re much larger, stronger and far more opinionated.
Squish investigating the trailer, not really sure what all the fuss is about
The Sass Queen is also one of the most bombproof horses I know: trains, tractors, low-flying aircraft, cows … she’s seen it all, and never drops her “I can take on the world” attitude. I’m sure this is largely due to her coming out on hacks as a youngster: my dad would lead her while I rode her mum. Although she made an awful mother herself (that’s a story for another time!) she’s been surprisingly maternal towards Squish, and is quite happy nannying her: even toning down her jogging to just three quarters of the ride instead of the entire time. Squish has been quite happy mooching along next to her while I ride. If she needs time to stop and look at something, we’ll happily oblige (well, I will … The Sass Queen impatiently stomps, letting Squish and me know that she just wants to get on with it). So far, Squish has seen tractors, cars, dog walkers and motorbikes and hasn’t batted an eyelid at any of them – although she regularly stops at the small windmill that we pass on our ‘round the block’ route (why is it so tall and spinny?!). We’re lucky to have varying terrain and woodland around us, so the outings also give her the chance to learn where her feet are, and to pick her way through different ground without having someone on her back interfering.
Squish wins ‘a frilly’ at the G&S Show!
The magic travel box One thing that Squish seemed particularly curious about was the big magic box that The Sass Queen would sometimes disappear into, and then re-appear from at the end of the day, sporting a frilly or two and proclaiming (in her loud and opinionated way) what a wonderful time she had had at a pony party. Surprisingly for some (considering how she now loads herself, marching up the ramp like she means business), The Sass Queen used to be an awful loader. I vowed that my next horse must be a good traveller, even if it only had three legs. I wasn’t sure if Squish was quite ready to start loading, but considering she had arrived sweaty and stressed, I wanted to assure her there was nothing to worry about.
Squish and the Grumpy Uncle
On our first lesson I intended to just feed her on the ramp: no actual loading, just a look inside (with all partitions taken out) to see there was nothing much to be concerned about. She munched on a mouthful of food and merrily walked herself inside with a look of “so where are we going?”. We practised this once a day for a few weeks, and only for a few minutes at a time so as not to overload her. Once she was happy, we introduced the partitions and brought the Grumpy Uncle in to babysit – showing her that sometimes other horses share the space (and the food!). For the first couple of ‘journeys’ my friend drove us around the field with me standing inside reassuring her – allowing her time to adjust her balance and understand the noises were nothing to worry about. I’m sure I saw the Grumpy Uncle (a very seasoned traveller) eye-roll at one point at the amount of praise Squish got for a two-minute journey that didn’t even leave the field! Unfortunately, we’ve now created a monster: Squish has twice broken out from the field when she’s seen the ramp is down, and neatly loaded herself into the trailer… As with all our training, I made sure we went at Squish’s pace, and only moved on when she seemed completely happy. She’d taken everything in so well that I decided to enter her in some in-hand classes at a couple of local shows this year, purely for experience (geographically local doesn’t necessarily equal small – one was the G&S and another was Dorset County so there was lots going on for her to take in!). She exceeded all my expectations: she calmly stood when tied to the trailer, behaved better than I’d expected in the ring and received some lovely compliments from the judges – and she came home with a couple of frillies! She even saw the motorbikes from the main ring and the carriages as they went past, and gave both a cursory glance before tucking back in to her haynet. A far cry from the shy yearling who came off the trailer just six months before.
Hilarious Squish. Grumpy Uncle not amused
Apart from the odd mooch around the countryside, farrier visit and grooming, this winter Squish will be turned out with the others to continue being a baby, giving her more time to process what’s happened this summer as she gently matures. Hopefully next year she’ll go out to a few more shows to gain experience and continue her basic education – and I’m sure there’ll be plenty more times to come where I question my sanity! If there’s one thing she’s taught me it’s that anyone who takes on a youngster needs perseverance, patience, determination … and good friends who turn up with tea, cake and prosecco!
As Westminster turns a blind eye to rural Britain, NFU chairman Tim Gelfs argues that farmers must take their case to the people
Herd of Dorset cows under a stormy sky Image: Laura Hitchcock
One of my favourite lines from Darkest Hour is: “You can’t negotiate with a tiger when your head is in his mouth.” It often comes to mind when thinking about this Government’s approach to rural policy. How do you even begin to lobby or negotiate with a Government like this? Short answer – you can’t! We are dealing with an ideology: a tunnelled view that appears to be unwilling to listen. We are in uncharted waters. It has been a disaster for rural businesses since the beginning: the attack on IHT, the collapse of the SFI through mismanagement and interference from the Treasury, no leadership for the control of TB … the list goes on! As I write, we have just listened to a disaster of a Budget for business – yet again no ambition for growth, and no mention of the rural economy, apart from in the small print. It’s not from a lack of effort from rural businesses that our voices are not being heard – there have been MP meetings, lobbying at the highest level by industry representatives, protests, TV and radio interviews and headlines in the papers, all highlighting the issues of our rural economy. Sure, we have been thrown a few crumbs from the high table, but it’s all on their terms.
Carnival protest We saw another attack on our rural way of life with a complete U-turn from the Met on the tractor protest on Budget day, with unfounded excuses of ‘disruption’. They would have a case if the last rallies had seen unrest – or even arrest! But there was none. In fact, we have had a great relationship with the Met over the past year: they are quite complimentary of how we have conducted ourselves. The protests have had a carnival atmosphere, with good humour and great public support while still getting our message across. Are we disrupting businesses? Go and ask the pubs, cafes and restaurants if we were a disruption … except maybe to their card machines and tills! So how do we change direction? How do we get Government to engage with conviction rather than mere lip service? We have just witnessed the answer in this Budget: the Government is on the ropes, weak from the top … and MPs have smelled blood! The Budget was not for the country, it was to appease the backbenchers, it was a job survival Budget. A year ago, most of the backbenchers were newbies, overwhelmed by their new place of work. But as they gain confidence, their voice gets louder and stronger. And the way to the backbenchers is through the people who put them there, their constituents. We have a golden opportunity every month when the latest inflation figures are released. Food inflation is always highlighted, and it is impacting on everybody’s life: we should capitalise on the connection between this and the attack on rural businesses. We need to get the message to the towns and cities of our green and pleasant land … and we need to drive this from the bottom because the top isn’t listening!
Jane Adams enjoys her chance meetings with a grey wagtail, Wimborne’s winter dancer
There’s a bird I always associate with the colder months. I shouldn’t, really – I see it in the summer too, dashing about after flies and small aquatic insects, paddling in what’s left of our streams after months of hot weather. But in winter it seems to stand out more. I often see it in Wimborne – as I walk between picking up walnuts in Grape Tree and nipping into the Co-op for a pizza, I often see one on the River Allen, bouncing around at the water’s edge. I pause on the old bridge on East Street (yes, right next to the metal sign that reads: “Safety first. Do not stand on bridge”). A neatly dressed man, newspaper tucked under his arm, mid-70s, I’d guess, sidles up to me as I’m looking down at the water.
Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, perched on a stump – not to be confused with its yellow cousin, it has that soft grey back and a much longer tail
‘Yellow wagtail,’ he says. ‘Always in Wimborne. Beautiful bird. Beautiful.’ He’s smiling down at it, and I’m just about to tell him it’s not a yellow wagtail when he turns away, and I hear him telling the same information to a young couple who have stopped next to him. It’s an easy mistake to make … but yellow wagtails are mostly a summer visitor to the UK, like swifts and swallows. There’s a chance you might see one in Wimborne en route to its nesting grounds in spring, but they’re by no means common and usually gone by mid-October. The bird we’re staring at might have a rich flash of yellow under its tail, but the yellow wagtail has far more yellow, along with a shorter tail and soft olive-green feathers on its back. The bird below us is a grey wagtail: just as thrilling in my book, but much more common. To me it’s the ballet dancer of the bird world, twirling and jumping across the weeds and debris of the river like a miniature Dame Margot, pumping its sleek, long tail feathers as if its life depends on it, bobbing its body up and down in time to music we can’t hear.
The grey wagtail lives year-round in Dorset, and can be found foraging on the banks of fast-moving streams
Grey wagtails live in Dorset year-round, foraging along the edges of fast-flowing streams. They fill the air with a cheerful tsreep, bringing life to an otherwise quiet and overcast day. And though their colouring above is grey, the feathers below their tails glow almost tropical yellow, so vivid against the monotone hues of a winter riverbank. The gent on the bridge walks away, and it’s just me and the young couple still peering happily into the water. ‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’ the woman says. ‘We’ve just found out it’s a yellow wagtail.’ I think about telling her, but decide against it. Who cares what its name is, as long as someone is noticing it.
Despite inflation, skills shortages and mounting pressures, Ian Girling says Dorset businesses continue to show resilience, innovation and commitment
Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber
It’s hard to believe where the last 12 months have gone and Christmas is now literally just around the corner. As we reflect on the last year, it’s clear it’s been another tough one for businesses across the UK. Yet our business community continues to show remarkable resilience. The last 12 months have seen many challenges for businesses. Inflation and rising costs continue to be an issue. The Bank of England have set a 2% target for inflation, yet the rate has hovered around 3.8% over the last year, meaning that prices have continued to increase. These continually increasing prices remain a challenge for both consumers and businesses. Alongside the rising national minimum wage, the increases in national insurance in April are placing severe financial pressure on many businesses. Skills and recruitment also continue to be a challenge for many businesses, compounded by high housing costs that make it difficult for people to move in to or stay in the area.
Dorset finds a way Yet while the national headlines focus on uncertainty, the story across our own county is one of determination, innovation and quiet strength. The challenges cannot be denied. But Dorset is home to many incredible businesses – some well-known and others not. Through our work at the Chamber we see businesses investing in technology, developing their teams, embedding innovation and carefully planning ahead. Given the economic headwinds, Dorset companies are realistic about the challenges – but unwavering in their commitment to keep the county’s economy moving. We should also be proud of Dorset’s sense of community. Chambers, networks and sector groups across Dorset connect leaders, share insights and provide practical support. This collaborative mindset has helped many firms navigate complex changes while protecting jobs and contributing positively to local communities. As we look forward, we’ll continue to do our absolute best to support businesses across Dorset in the year ahead and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas, and successful 2026.
This year, we’re feasting our way around the globe. Every question is a Christmas dish from somewhere in the world – don’t worry, it’s a multiple choice options to help you on your culinary travels (and to throw you off, of course). Good luck – and no googling under the table.
By Gay Pirrie-Weir
1 – Romovay Baba
(a) Gypsy baptismal cake (b) Russian Christmas rum baba (c) Unacknowledged papal offspring
2 – Porkkanalaatikka
(a) Spicy mild hogget curry (b) Finnish carrot and pearl barley pudding (c) Skandinavian pork cooked in curdled milk
3 – Saganaki
(a) Favourite dish for retiree cruisers (b) Greek fried hard cheese with lemon (c) Japanese stuffed lotus blossoms
4 – Julskinka
(a) A Christmas dish made in July with seasonal fruits, and frozen at -7 for a minimum of five months – bring to room temperature before serving (b) Festive feast to follow deviant sexual practices (c) Swedish Christmas ham
5 – Rosenkohl
(a) Roses grown in the vicinity of mines, having long-lasting qualities. (b) German Brussels sprouts (c) Red chalky eye shadow to wear with currently-fashionable iron-on slugs for eyebrows.
6 – Falsomagra
(a) Long-cooked long grain rice used by vegan anglers. (b) A US underground movement for bad spellers (c) Sicilian garlicky stuffed beef
7 – Banketletter
(a) Dutch pastry initials for St Nicholas’ feast table place cards (b) A letter from an alien bank (c) A billydoo left surreptitiously on a bench seat in a restaurant.
8 – Polvorones Sevillanos
(a) Christmas almond shortbread (b) Pulped oranges (c) VERY LARGE pulped oranges
9 – Jug-Jug
(a) A celebratory cocktail made in more than one shaker, and incorporated (b) Caribbean haggis (c) A mixture of canary, sack and malmsey created for Sir Toby Belch
10 – Sopaipillas
(a) Bakers’ butterfly wings, to give Angel Cakes the appearance of flight (no harm to lepidoptera is caused by this dish.) (b) New Mexican sweet puffs served with honey and pico de gallo (c) protectors to ensure columns used in layered wedding cakes do not sink into the tier below.
11 – The Rarest Dish in All the Land
(a) Kobe beef, Almas Beluga caviar and black truffle brie, served on a gold flake-infused corn tortilla (b) A boar’s head (c) The way Kate Nutbeam eats steak.
12 – Shred pies
(a) A savoury coconut pudding, with a breakfast wheaten topping. (b) Mince pies with meat (c) Seville orange marmalade baked in a rough-puff pastry case.
13 – Marzipan
(a) Originating from “bread’ in ancient Romance languages, it started life in Italy. (b) A sweetmeat long associated with Lubeck in Germany. (c) one of those very expensive, use-it-once gadgets you buy after watching TV cookery shows, this is the best way to cook a hare, but only in March!
14 – Lambswool
(a) Spun sugar, served cold with sprinkled stiff-peak meringue, representing heavenly wool collection. (b) A traditional winter drink. (c) Also known as Tweed Squares, these are chocolate-flecked vanilla cakes.
15 – Christmas Pie
(a) Originally the final resting place of four and twenty young swans, upped in secret. (b) Invented by Little Jack Horner of Somerset to hide the stolen deeds to Mells. (c) Loved by fledgeling Masterchefs, a hodgepodge of EVERYTHING left over from the festive table !Warning, highly indigestible!
16 – The Ceremony of the Cheese
(a) Almost 330 year-old Christmas tradition for Chelsea Pensioners. (b) Performed annually in Somerset, the unwashed harness of the farm’s largest Clydesdale is dragged through cheese curds before squid ink is added. (c) A toadying pre-Christmas holiday event in the corporate world, when gifts are given to the boss.
17 – Punch
(a) What happens when festive revelry gets out of hand. (b) A five-ingredient alcoholic festive drink. (c) What Judy might do with her husband, had the traditional tables been turned.
18 – American Boiled Dinner
(a) The greatest American dish of all time, bigly boiled in a magagigantic pot, served in a very long red tie and craved by every person everywhere, living or dead. (b) Bacon, chicken and vegetables. (c) Traditionally served in a gleaming Airstream, and known as “the diner’s dinner” this stew is served with live music from the honkytonk.
19 – Hans Christian Andersen Christmas sandwich
(a) A sandwich with no filling. (b) A Christmas paté made with wild swans, mermaid tail, duck liver and peas, topped by a marzipan thumb balancing an ice cube. (c) crisp bacon, liver paté, jellied beef consomme and tomato, on rye bread.
20 – Cockentrice
(a) Tudor feast of half a pig sewn to half a capon. Also known as Cockatrice (a dragon with the head of a cockerel and served at Hogwarts). (b) A punishment, speedily administered, earnestly promoted by victims, and involving an old-fashioned bacon slicer. (c) Crocodile, cooked three ways – a Louisiana delicacy traditionally served on Boxing Day
*Ed’s note on no.11: I was CONVINCED that the answer for no.11 should be A: after all, Kobe beef is the rarest in the world yes? So I double-checked with Gay, who explained: ‘The boar’s head, as I understand, Is the rarest dish in all the land, Which, thus bedecked with a gay garland, Let us servire cantico.’ The boars head carol, published in 1521 in Wynkyn de Worde’s Christmasse Carolles. Sometimes, that word is given as bravest, but most versions use rarest. Answer A is the most expensive dish ever served.
Jess Rimmer leans into winter training, a new horse and an alphabet game that somehow ends in Tenerife sunshine and bacon turnovers
Jess and new girl Blondie, getting to know each other as they pop round the Dorset Showground course. All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
OK. It’s officially end-of-season. And cold. And dark. And just … generally … winter. YAY. To perk us all up (and also, since we haven’t got any events to report on), I figured we could play a little bit of Alphabetti Spaghetti. If any of you happen to be extraordinarily loyal readers who’ve followed us from the beginning (and I mean, the VERY beginning), I actually introduced myself and the team with this game in our very first article. Naturally, I have absolutely no idea which letter I finished on last time (F. You did A-F… – Ed). I was going to start with the end of the alphabet to go with the end of the season and the end of the year, but I got to X, Y, Z and… yeah, nope. Conveniently, Courtenay came to Dorset Showground to take some pics for this month’s article, and BOOM!
Jess and Sir Henry Hall: ‘He’s like an old pair of slippers, we speak the same language’
D is for Dorset Showground! The “big boys” are all still out enjoying their post-season holiday, and naturally it didn’t take me long to get itchy feet and crave some sort of eventing-related stimulation. Cue winter training, and the haven that is Dorset Showground: a vast all-weather arena, a mud-free car park, and the best service station on planet earth just a stone’s throw away – say no more! (Riverside Garage at West Stour. You’re welcome – Ed) OK, it might not be all that glamorous, but it is the most perfect location for us to bring our newbies, babies and also the non-holiday savvies (cough, Sir Henry Hall). Like any 11-year-old boy, Henry’s brain doesn’t particularly enjoy a quiet break – he’ll start bouncing off the walls. He likes to be kept thinking, so he stays in work. On this occasion, we took old-timer Henry and newbie Blondie along for a pop around the course – it’s really useful to train in a competition environment, without the added atmosphere. It was a very productive outing – I’m still getting to know Blondie (I know, I know, a new character, and a mare too – what’s going on?), but I’m really enjoying discovering all her buttons. Henry, meanwhile, is a bit like putting on an old pair of slippers – he’s only ever really been ridden by me when it comes to jumping, so we speak the same language … he put a huge smile on my face (obviously the warm bacon and cheese turnover from the garage put a huge smile on my face too, but we won’t tell Henry that).
Jess and Blondie
Eventers on Tour Next up is E, which stands for Eventers on Tour. This one’s pretty much what it says on the tin: it’s actually a Whatsapp group chat consisting of 11 young event riders, and we spent five nights in a villa in Tenerife earlier this month. Work hard, play hard, right? All laughs aside, it’s so important to spend some time away from the yard every now and again, and it is certainly nothing to be shy about. Equestrians, whether eventers or not, are all guilty of believing that giving yourself a break is a sign of weakness. But, ever the hypocrites, we emphasise how important it is to give our horses one? A change of scenery, some sunshine and good company is beneficial on every level (not to mention fun!). Staying on a theme, my F stands for friends. While I’m not going to unravel into a deep, meaningful discussion about the importance of friendship in what is primarily an individual sport, I will remind you that, when you fall off in a water jump, who else is going to laugh at your green, slimey jodpurs and ask if you packed any spare underwear?
Glamorous-looking Blondie is new, and Jess is still ‘working out her buttons’
Selection! G stands for getting ready! I think it’s safe to say that everyone in the eventing world is already counting down the days until next spring. The winter months can be long, but Team Rimmer has some exciting aims for next season, which is giving our winter training plenty of purpose. The exciting news of the Under-25 World Championships making its debut next year has definitely pricked up our ears, and our preparations should be all the stronger thanks to some exciting tuition as a result of our recent selection for the U25 Howden Way Rider Talent Academy* – which was all down to Basil and his epic 4* results this year! So don’t worry – although there isn’t any actual eventing until March, we have plenty of work to do in the meantime to keep us out of trouble!
*Jess is one of just 17 riders in the UK who have been selected for the 2026 U25 Howden Way Rider Talent Academy. The Under 25 Programme is designed to support athletes who are capable of achieving Nations Cup selection or aiming for the U25 World Championships. Working in collaboration with British Eventing, the Academy aims to nurture and develop the next generation of talent. WELL DONE JESS! X
JOB PURPOSE: The PA to the Head is responsible for ensuring the effective running of the Head’s office, supporting the Head and Senior Deputy Head, and separately the Board of Governors
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head and Chair of Governors
Duties and Responsibilities
This role, supporting the work of the Head and the Board of Governors, is a vital role, operating at the heart of the school. The post holder will have access to confidential information, requiring absolute discretion at all times.
Key responsibilities include the following, although this list is by no means exhaustive:
Head’s Office
• To act as an effective and efficient Personal Assistant and ensure the smooth running of the office, including
o To deal with the Head’s email, letters (including admissions letters), telephone calls and general communications
o To prepare agendas and reports, take and publish minutes of internal meetings as required
o To organise the Head’s electronic diary with a focus on balancing Head’s availability
for internal events and meetings with external conferences and countrywide /
international travel
o To manage the detailed planning of all aspects of Head’s travel countrywide and international in liaison with the Deputy Head Development to attend conferences, fairs and visits prep and senior schools.
o To support the Head in the management and administration of
• Parent – school relationships, including the administration of meetings
• Staff meetings with the Head
• To complete all administrative tasks in relation to Head’s internal events and entertaining and assist with the preparation of termly whole school events and fundraising events in conjunction with the events team. To make arrangements for events held externally on behalf of the Head. To assist with creating an annual programme of parents’ events.
• To support the Head in meeting all statutory requirements of the Head’s role
(including inspection readiness, in conjunction with the Head of Compliance) including maintaining the school complaint and behaviour records
• To co-ordinate news for publications and reports (including end of term parent letter and Head’s reports to Governors)
• To support the Head in the management of the Head’s Budget and prepare expenses and card statements.
• Any other duties reasonably requested by the Head
Senior Deputy Head’s Office
• To liaise between the Head and Senior Deputy Head on parent issues and
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukHead’s PA & Clerk to the Governors (Maternity Cover) Dec 2025 communication ensuring appropriate and prompt response
• To coordinate and publish Senior Leadership Duty Cover during term-time/holidays
• To liaise with the Head and Senior Deputy Head to assign parent meetings and appointments
• To undertake general administration for the Senior Deputy Head (SDH) including diary management, telephone call handling, email support and processing of letters
• To support the Senior Deputy Head in the management of the Senior Deputy Head’s Budget and submit invoices as required for processing
Other tasks
• To assist the School Chaplain with preparation and printing of the Order of Service for End of Term and other events
• To administer the preparation of the annual Leaver’s yearbook.
• To administer the student leadership selection process for the following year.
• Database management of mailing and contact lists separate from the school system
Clerk to Governors
• To prepare the annual meeting calendar with the Chair of Governors and make any amendments throughout the year.
• To act as a secretary for all meetings of the Governing Body and prepare and organise these meetings in full, including drafting an agenda with the Chair of Governors, IT and room set up as well as catering.
• To draw up the meeting minutes for review and approval by the Chair of each meeting thereafter. To publish meeting minutes as required after approval.
• To update the governors’ files including meeting minutes, records of personnel and trainings
• To make arrangements for governor’s visits to the school each term
• To assist with management of companies house and charity commission
• To administer the process of governor recruitment and induction where required
• To administer the process for leaving governors where required
• To establish and service Governors’ Appeal panels for hearings associated with disciplinary matters, grievances and parental complaints
• To ensure that governors are inspection ready to the standards inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate
• Any related tasks reasonably required by the Chair of Governors
Skills and Attributes required
The post requires an understanding of, and commitment to, the primary importance of safeguarding within our school, a courteous, welcoming and caring demeanour, absolute discretion and a flexible approach.
The successful postholder will be able to discuss at interview a career which demonstrates:
• experience of working as an administrator at a senior level
• experience of handling customer enquiries sensitively, promptly and effectively
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong secretarial and IT skills
• experience of dealing with a range of external stakeholders
• the ability to plan, organise and anticipate requirements well in advance to support the smooth running of the school
• strong team working skills, flexibility, and a high level of initiative
• a focus on problem-solving and task completion
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukHead’s PA & Clerk to the Governors (Maternity Cover) Dec 2025
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The following provides guidance, without prejudice, on the likely main provisions of a Contract of Employment.
Fixed term contract: As this opportunity is covering maternity leave, it shall be available for fixed term only with one month notice to be provided by the school when this comes to an end. Where possible, the school will provide more notice and prior to the contract coming to an end, possible alternative employment that may become available at that stage will be discussed
Holidays: This role is year-round role (i.e. the successful applicant will work through the school holidays subject to the following). The successful applicant will enjoy with 5 weeks paid holiday per annum (prorata) which should be taken outside the school term dates. Bank holidays outside term dates are also available to take as paid holiday
Hours: Monday to Friday generally 08:00 – 1700 (including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break) and Saturday mornings (term time only) generally 08:30 – 12:30. Some flexibility may be required during term time to accommodate late meetings or urgent requirements, however it is expected that the successful candidate will reduce their weekly working hours accordingly outside of term time, to offset the annual expected working hours average 40 hours per week.
Salary: A competitive salary is offered to the successful candidate depending on experience and qualification.
Probation: The position is subject to a 16-week probationary period.
Pension: A contributory pension scheme will be available including life assurance.
Other benefits: Meals on duty (e.g. full three course meal at lunchtime) (non-contractual benefit), free on-site parking, Employee Assistance Programme, use of facilities such as the gym and swimming pool at specific times.
Medical Fitness: Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the appointee’s fitness to carry out the role. New employees will be asked, following an offer of employment, to complete a questionnaire regarding medical fitness.
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukHead’s PA & Clerk to the Governors (Maternity Cover) Dec 2025
Criminal Check
(DBS): As a School, Milton Abbey requires all new employees to complete an Enhanced level criminal background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service. It is a condition of employment that the employee should not have been convicted of a criminal offence against children, nor have been dismissed from or resigned from a previous employer for misconduct of a similar nature.
References: In addition, all new employees are required to provide two satisfactory references from two separate sources, one of sources should be from a previous employer. The school may also contact any previous employer, where the position has involved working with children or vulnerable adults.
APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted on a Milton Abbey School application form with a covering letter. Your application can be supported by a CV but applications by CV alone will not be considered.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR email [email protected] or telephone 01258 880484.
Please address your letter to the Headmaster, James Watson and send the letter,
application form and any supporting paperwork to:
By post Or by email
HR Department Milton Abbey School [email protected] Blandford Forum Dorset DT110BZ
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukHead’s PA & Clerk to the Governors (Maternity Cover) Dec 2025
We will contact all applicants to either invite them to interview or advise them that on this occasion their application will not be taken further
Admissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions
Duties and Responsibilities
• To ensure that all admissions enquiries are handled professionally, courteously, efficiently
and effectively, from initial call to handover to Housemaster, in line with the aims and
ethos of the school
• To share responsibility for the maintenance of comprehensive, detailed and accurate
Admissions information database
• To maintain detailed and current understanding of Milton Abbey pupil recruitment and
retention numbers, trends and patterns, briefing Head, Deputy Head Development and
Admissions and Director of Finance as required
• To monitor and respond to all enquiries and contacts related to Admissions, including:
o Monitoring Admissions Phone, directing enquiries to appropriate team members
o Monitoring relevant email accounts and action inbox, and have shared oversight of
Admissions@
• To handle initial enquiries from prospective parents
• To maintain and promote good communications with entrants from enquiry to arrival
• To administer and maintain detailed and accurate Admissions information via database
• To lead on all statutory and regulatory Admissions requirements
• To support the planning and hosting of prospective parent and pupil visits
• To plan and implement the Admissions calendar
• To administer and coordinate our work with presenting schools
Parent Visits
• To share responsibility for all prospective parent visits and to lead on visits by agents
• To ensure the Deputy Head Development and Admissions, Head and SENDCO have all
relevant information and paperwork to make accurate and appropriate admissions
decisions
• To ensure any reasonable adjustments for interviews or assessments are put in place, in
consultation with the Learning Development Department
• To devise a bespoke visit for each applicant, focusing on areas of interest and need
• To organise and brief pupil guides, liaising with Head of Sixth Form
• To follow up visits appropriately and efficiently with parents/agents
• To ensure regular contact with registered, confirmed and enquiry families, liaising with
Marketing Officer to support communications for mailings/social media and events
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukAdmissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions Dec 2025
• To liaise with colleagues including the Head, Deputy Head Development and Admissions,
SENDCO, Director of Finance, Head’s PA, Senior Deputy Head, Deputies, and HSM, as
appropriate with regard to prospective pupils, pre and post visits
• To ensure the school is prepared for tours, in conjunction with the Head of Operations
Staff Liaison and Briefing
• To ensure that House Teams, Health Centre, and Deputies Team are fully briefed on
arriving pupils
• To provide Admissions induction and training for teaching and house staff
• To communicate with the Deputies Team to ensure appropriate induction processes,
class allocation and academic setting are in place for mid-year and mid-phase joiners
• To liaise between parents and the Head of Lower School/VI Form on suitable options for
incoming pupil
Statutory and Regulatory
• To arrange with Deputy Head Development and Admissions the annual review, and
Governor sign-off, of Admissions Policy
• To coordinate the school’s Visa and Immigration work, taking responsibility for the CAS
allocation process for relevant new pupils according to Home Office rules and guidance
• To ensure that all pupils residents overseas have appropriate guardianship arrangements,
meeting statutory requirements
• To remain conversant with developments in immigration relevant to boarding, undertaking
relevant training
• To maintain all school records in line with current Child Student Visa policy
• To ensure registration, confirmation and joiner forms are fully completed
• To maintain necessary communication with and administration for, the UKVI, including up
to date paperwork on all CAS entries
• To be responsible for Child Student Visa Parent and School Policies along with Guardian
Agreements and Agent Agreements.
• To act as a UKVI Level 1 user
• To lead on inspection of Admissions, keeping all documentation and records inspection-
ready, in consultation with Head of Compliance
• To ensure that all legal requirements and statutory guidance (including Independent
School Standards Regulations, Keeping Children Safe in Education and Home Office
Guidance) are followed and documented
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukAdmissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions Dec 2025
Information Collection and Provision (in support of the work of Deputy Head Development
and Admissions)
• To share oversight of the admissions database system, running off reports as required
and ensuring that all leads and contact information are stored accurately
• To prepare topic papers for the Deputy Head Development and Admissions, e.g.
overseas student recruitment, day pupil numbers
• To provide the Finance Director and Head with pupil numbers update weekly or as
required
• To be responsible for information relating to the retention of pupils in liaison with HSM
team and the Head
• To draw up a departmental Admissions Handbook, detailing processes and policies
Exhibitions/Recruitment trips
• To identify, and organise attendance at, recruitment events (UK and overseas)
representing MA at events as required
• To organise a schedule of overseas trips/UK trips and online meetings for senior staff, as
directed by Deputy Head Development and Admissions
• To commission appropriate exhibition/display materials from Marketing Department
Analysis and Strategy
• To use data to provide strategic updates/identify patterns and trends in recruitment
• To support the Deputy Head Development and Admissions in identifying and developing
new opportunities, strategies and methods for marketing the School nationally and
internationally
• To develop new overseas and UK markets through contact with new and existing agents
and education consultancies
• To work with Finance Director and Head of Marketing and Events on recruitment
initiatives.
• To help to plan the Admissions calendar (e.g. Open Days, Introductory, Taster and
events)
Routine Admissions Administration (tasks vary day to day and are split in the department)
• To schedule zoom and on-site visits, communicating weekly list internally
• To input telephone /website/email prospectus enquiries into our Admissions Database)
and follow up with a letter and prospectus
• To produce Admissions mailings (call to action emails, confirmation of attendance for
open days etc, new pupil information mailings, prep head/Agent marketing run etc) as and
when required
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukAdmissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions Dec 2025
• To provide Events Team with mailing lists from database for events, e.g. Open Day
invitations
• To create and maintain individual pupil records for all prospective pupils and all new
joiners on iSams via inbox, calls, agent requests
• To request and process Admissions documents, including school references and learning
support questionnaires
• To administer required EAL/CAT4 testing for applicants, recording, and distributing results
• To liaise with Accounts for all agent and parent payments (reg fee/deposit/commission)
• To update attendance/post attendance for Open Days/Taster Days and follow up as
required
• To maintain paper and electronic files for current and prospective pupils
• To collate new pupil information which is centralised and distributed as required
• (GCSE results, new pupil forms)
• To ensure detailed and accurate entry of all new pupil information on ISAMS
• To coordinate and distribute joiner information/parent booklet in consultation with Senior
Deputy
• To assist the events team with commercial lets and other events, particularly outside
school term time.
Educational Agents
To manage relationships with Educational Agents including but not limited to;
• Onboarding (including referencing and other due diligence)
• Contracts and financial agreements
• Communications regarding candidates
• Seeking support where required on immigration formalities
• Signing off commission payments and monitoring expenditure against budget.
Any other duties reasonably requested by the Head, which may involve working flexibly with
occasional evening and weekend work (with time off in lieu by agreement with Deputy Head
Development and Admissions).
Skills, Experience and Personal attributes required:
• Several year experience working in a face paced administrative role working to high
standards of accuracy and efficiency.
• Take responsibility, where appropriate, for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the
children and young people in School, where applicable.
• Team working skills, discretion and clear understanding of confidentiality are essential.
• Good communication skills with all groups of staff, managers across the School and with
all external organisation is essential.
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukAdmissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions Dec 2025
• Excellent IT skills across a number of relevant platforms, including word, excel, zoom,
teams, outlook and PowerPoint.
• The post holder will be expected to maintain a polite manner and smart appearance when
communicating virtually.
• Ensure adherence to all School Policies and Procedures as an employee.
• Attend relevant training courses internally or externally, as requested, to update skills and
for the benefit of both parties.
Experience working in an admissions department in an education setting would be ideal but is not
essential.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The following provides guidance, without prejudice, on the likely main provisions of a Contract of
Employment. Contracts for each appointment will be bespoke to the role.
General This role is year-round (52 weeks). 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
that fall outside of term time.
Hours: 40 hours per week.Monday to Friday generally 08:30 – 17:00 (including 30
minutes unpaid lunch break). Some flexibility may be required during term
time to accommodate admissions events, some of which will be on
Saturdays, for which time off in lieu will be available.
Salary: A competitive salary is offered to the successful candidate depending on
experience and qualification.
Probation: The position is subject to a 16-week probationary period.
Pension: A contributory pension scheme will be available including life assurance.
Other benefits: Meals on duty (e.g. full three course meal at lunchtime) (non-contractual
benefit), free on-site parking, Employee Assistance Programme, use of
facilities such as the gym and swimming pool at specified times.
Medical Fitness: Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the appointee’s fitness to
carry out the role. New employees will be asked, following an offer of
employment, to complete a questionnaire regarding medical fitness.
Milton Abbey School | 13-18, Co-educational, Full Boarding or Day | www.miltonabbey.co.ukAdmissions Officer – Visa, Agents and International Admissions Dec 2025
Criminal Check
(DBS): As a School, Milton Abbey requires all new employees to complete an
Enhanced level criminal background check through the Disclosure and
Barring Service. It is a condition of employment that the employee should
not have been convicted of a criminal offence against children, nor have
been dismissed from or resigned from a previous employer for misconduct
of a similar nature.
References: In addition, all new employees are required to provide two satisfactory
references from two separate sources, one of sources should be from a
previous employer. The school may also contact any previous employer,
where the position has involved working with children or vulnerable adults.
APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted on a Milton Abbey School application form with a
covering letter. Your application can be supported by a CV but applications by CV alone
will not be considered.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR email
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two chilly postcards , both sent with Christmas greetings
his rather brief and formal greeting was sent on 22nd December 1906 to Cardiff. The gates of the Bryanston Estate are instantly recognisable even today – in 1906 they led not to a school, but to the private home of the Portman family. The house beyond the gates had only recently been completed, in 1894, for the 2nd Viscount Portman, who declined to live in his late father’s residence (Knighton House) and commissioned a grand new mansion.
This postcard, with its snowball fight, was taken just 12 years after the new house was completed, when the family were enjoying the high point of the estate’s wealth – a flurry of construction across the estate, included the distinctive red-brick cottages that remain today. But the fortunes of the Portman dynasty began to shift after the First World War. A rapid succession of deaths brought heavy death duties that even this estate couldn’t absorb. The mansion was closed up, its contents auctioned off in 1925 in a sale that lasted two full weeks. It stood empty until 1927, when it was sold – along with several cottages and grounds – for £35,000 to JG Jeffreys, the young, innovative Australian schoolmaster who opened Bryanston School the following January. ‘A Very Happy Xmas to Mr & Mrs Carlton Riches with kindest regards from M Wichwood [Pag?], Old Bank House, Blandford’
This postcard, sent 22nd December 1925, captures a rare but much-loved Dorset winter pastime: skating on Ashmore’s village pond. Though the scene is captioned, it would have been instantly recognisable to locals even without it – the surrounding cottages look much the same today. Ashmore remains the highest village in Dorset.
In colder winters, like that of 1925, the pond would regularly freeze deep enough to skate on – a tradition now largely lost to warmer winters. The message on the back of this card – sent to Miss Price in Canterbury – is brief but seasonal: “With compliments of the season. From J. & R. Coward, Ashmore.”
