Office Manager in Bournemouth

Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies are two 11-16 secondary schools based in East Bournemouth where students share a campus and are taught in predominantly single sex classes. When students reach our onsite United Sixth Form, mixed classes are reinstated. We believe this diamond model of education recognises that as boys and girls reach their teenage years, they approach their learning differently allowing us to get the most out of every student.

Disruption-free teaching is the promise at Avonbourne with the notion of continuous improvement underpinning all we do. The Academies advocate a coaching culture, where teachers develop as reflective practitioners, utilising shared best practice and evidence-based teaching and learning initiatives. In-house CPD is extensive and high quality and compliments numerous external CPD opportunities within United Learning and through nationally recognised training and qualifications.

Pastoral care is superb, with a highly trained team that are morally driven and extremely effective. We encourage students to develop their skills through the provision of educational opportunities which enable young minds to play a part in creating a future which has opportunities for all and encourages aspiration and determination. Our REACH values of Respect, Equality, Ambition, Community and Hard work & Determination underpin all aspects of academy life for staff and students.

We are #AVBProud and look forward to showing you around our Academies. Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies are part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

Job details

• Start Date: 1 September 2026 or sooner if available, depending on pre-employment checks
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week Monday to Friday, Term Time only (including inset days) plus 2 additional weeks (41 working weeks, plus pro rata holiday allowance of 6.17 weeks)
• Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026

About the role

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to join a large Outstanding secondary school as the Office Manager, playing a pivotal role at the heart of our school community. We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and professional individual to provide confidential, high-level administrative support to the Executive Principal / Head of School, while leading and managing the smooth and efficient running of the school office and first aid provision. This is a key role within the school, requiring excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as the primary point of contact Executive Principal / Head of School
• Providing administrative support to the Senior Leadership Team
• Leading and managing the school office, ensuring a professional and efficient service
• Line managing administrative staff and first aid staff
• Supporting school events, communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, and school policies

About you

The successful candidate will:

• Have substantial administrative experience, ideally within a school or similar environment
• Be highly organised, detail-focused, and able to prioritise effectively
• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and integrity at all times
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be confident leading a team and managing office operations
• Be proactive, flexible, and committed to supporting the wider life of the school

At Avonbourne Academies, our work is guided by five core REACH values: Respect, Equality, Ambition, Community, and Hard Work & Determination. These values underpin everything we do, from the way we teach and lead, to the culture we build for our students and staff. We believe in developing not only academic excellence, but strong character, resilience and integrity. As part of our team, you will play an important role in modelling and nurturing these qualities in the young people we serve.

Since joining United Learning in August 2019, Avonbourne Academies have gone from strength to strength:

• Avonbourne Boys’ Academy – Rated OUTSTANDING in November 2023
• Avonbourne Girls’ Academy – Rated OUTSTANDING in all categories in October 2024

We can offer you:

• The opportunity to work as part of a supportive team
• One personal day every academic year
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme – Avonbourne contribute 23.6% each month on top of your contribution!
• Occupational sick pay, protecting you and your family
• Access to our health care cash plan and rewards scheme after six months service.
• Continuous Professional Development options that will be tailored to your needs.
• Competitive maternity, paternity and adoption benefits.

Avonbourne Academies are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

Note – We reserve the right to close the vacancy early prior to the published closing date and interview and offer to a strong candidate. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their application as soon as possible. No further applications will be accepted once closed.

For more information

To apply, please complete the online application form. For more information about this role please contact: recruitment@avonbourneacademy.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026