At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the admin team and ensure smooth school operations while supporting students with complex needs.
- Company: Join a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral leadership and supporting students with special educational needs.
- Other info: Be part of a great workplace culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 40800 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Papworth Hall School, Papworth Everard CB23 3RD
Salary: ÂŁ29,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time plus One Week
Start Date: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.
About the Role
The Admin Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, efficient and professional running of the school’s administrative and HR functions. Working closely with the Headteacher and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead and develop the Administration Team to deliver a comprehensive, confidential and high-quality service for pupils, staff, parents and external stakeholders. You will be responsible for maintaining robust systems, high standards of compliance and a welcoming, well-organised school environment.
- Working in partnership with the Headteacher to lead, develop and manage the Administration Team
- Providing strategic and operational leadership for administrative and HR services across the school
- Overseeing the day-to-day running of the Admin Department, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and confidentiality at all times
- Ensuring all stakeholders receive a consistently high standard of service
- Line management
- Managing the day-to-day performance, wellbeing and development of the administration team
- Referrals, admissions, attendance and reviews
- Ensuring requests for information relating to referrals are issued promptly and accurately
- HR and personnel administration
- Managing the setup and maintenance of accurate staff personnel files using Reach, PeopleXD and Info-Exchange systems
This role is ideal for an organised, proactive and confident leader who thrives on managing people, processes and priorities in a busy school environment.
About You
You will have:
- Proven experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Special Educational Needs (SEN) and complex needs
- Demonstrable experience delivering effective pastoral interventions and leading school initiatives that positively impact student achievement
- Previous experience in a pastoral leadership role
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) and a full UK driving licence
About Us
Papworth Hall School is in the picturesque village in Cambridgeshire. It is within close proximity to Huntingdon and Cambridge. Our new specialist school caters for young people with complex communication needs, autism and associated learning and emotional needs and has the capacity for 30 students.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.
Why Join Us?
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*4DWW subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Administration Manager in Papworth Everard employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administration Manager in Papworth Everard
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Papworth Hall School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely aligns with our mission of supporting students with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and managing teams. We want to see how you handle challenges and ensure a high standard of service in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Administration Manager in Papworth Everard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Administration Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and administrative functions, as well as any relevant qualifications that match what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams in the past! Share specific examples of how you’ve managed people and processes effectively, especially in a school environment. This will help us understand your leadership style.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Administration Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the school's mission and values, especially their focus on wellbeing and the 4-Day Working Week. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential leader of the Administration Team, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams and processes. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively, maintain high standards, and ensure confidentiality in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-life situations in the school setting. Think about scenarios related to HR functions, compliance, and stakeholder communication. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about the current challenges the Administration Team faces or how they measure success in this position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.