Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage school systems and support the headteacher in shaping a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Hawthorn Academy, a new SEMH secondary school dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension scheme, wellbeing days, and free refreshments.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus NVQ qualifications in Administration or Business.
- Other info: This role is perfect for proactive individuals passionate about education and special needs.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 36000 £ per year.
We develop our pupils to have the skills to thrive in society.
About us
Hawthorn Academy is a new SEMH secondary school based in Bracknell Forest due to open in September 2025, providing specialist education for children aged 11 — 16 years with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), including children with ASD. The school will open with 10 places, growing to 50. The school will be sited at the College Hall campus in year 1, moving to a purpose-built school during year 2. The school is part of The Propeller Academy Trust, a special school MAT comprising currently of 3 schools based in South Oxfordshire: Fitzwaryn, Kingfisher and Bishopswood. The Trust is due to welcome Woodeaton Manor School (an SEMH provision in Oxford) in June ’25 following an academisation order, and Forest View School in Bracknell (estimated opening Sept ’27) following a successful bid in wave 3. The Trust has a successful outreach programme and supports over 70 local mainstream schools with outstanding feedback and outcomes. Propeller is proud of its educational performance. Its curriculum is personalised and focuses on the destinations and long-term aspirations of its pupils and their families, linking directly with their communities including pupils moving directly into employment.
Main purpose
We are looking for an experienced, proactive, and dynamic Office Manager to take up this demanding and rewarding post within our new school. Arriving at a very exciting time, you will have the opportunity to support the headteacher to develop and shape the team and environment. The Office Manager has a key role in the effective management of school systems, and you must have a strong administration background, good customer service skills, be able to line manage others and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. You will also need to have excellent numeracy skills as this role will involve cash handling and be an excellent communicator with a professional manner with an empathy for young people with special educational needs.
What we can offer you
- Competitive pay
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with enhanced benefits for members i.e., life insurance
- Refer a friend bonus (up to £500)
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlement
- Free occupational health support
- Free eye test for DSE users
- Free flu vaccinations
- Wellbeing days (3 per year, pro rata for part time staff)
- Free tea and coffee
- A welcoming and supportive school with a friendly team of staff and governors
- Full training and ongoing support
How to Apply
For further details of the post and how to apply please visit here. If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Clare Offill at clare.offill@propellertrust.org. Please note that CV’s will NOT be accepted. Please note if you have not received communication from the school inviting you for an interview within ten working days of the closing date of the post, you can assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. We thank you for your interest in the school and encourage you to apply for suitable vacancies in the future.
Qualifications
- Good qualifications in both English and Maths GCSE's Essential
- NVQ 2/3 qualification in Administration
- NVQ3 in Business Administration or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (or working towards) Desirable
Safeguarding Information
The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Where the role for which you are applying involves engaging in regulated activity, it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. A copy of the Propeller Academy Trust’s Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy can be accessed via each member school's website.
Apply for this role
Submit your application today with our simple application process.
Office Manager employer: The Propeller Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
The Propeller Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of SEMH students. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will show your commitment to the role and make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved with special educational needs. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite by preparing examples of how you've used these tools effectively in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hawthorn Academy and The Propeller Academy Trust thoroughly. Being knowledgeable about their values, mission, and future plans will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Office Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the needs of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as any NVQ qualifications in Administration or Business Administration. Mention any relevant training or certifications that would benefit the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for an Office Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Propeller Academy Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in an educational environment, especially one that focuses on SEMH needs. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to support young people in their learning journey.
✨Demonstrate Strong Administration Skills
Prepare examples of your previous administrative roles where you successfully managed systems and processes. Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and any specific tools you've used to streamline office operations.
✨Emphasise Communication and Empathy
Since the role involves interacting with young people with special educational needs, be ready to discuss how you communicate effectively and empathetically. Share instances where you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Cash Handling Questions
Given the role's requirement for excellent numeracy skills and cash handling, be prepared to answer questions about your experience with financial transactions. You might want to discuss how you ensure accuracy and accountability in managing funds.
