At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the office operations, support staff, pupils, and families in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Chalgrove Primary School, a welcoming and dynamic educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow professionally in a fast-paced, engaging environment.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real difference in the school community.
- Qualifications: Experience in a school setting, strong organisational skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 36585 - 40182 € per year.
School Name: Chalgrove Primary School
Position: Office Manager
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 36
Salary: FTE £36,585-£40,182
Location: Chalgrove Primary School, Chalgrove Gardens, Finchley, London, N3 3PL
Closing Date: 29/05/2026
About the School
Chalgrove Primary School’s busy, interesting, fast‑paced office is the heart of the school. We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Office Manager to keep it running smoothly. If you’re organized, approachable, solution‑focused, and have a sense of humour, this could be the right role for you.
About the Candidate
Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day operations of the office, supporting staff, pupils, and families. Experience in a school setting is essential, particularly familiarity with Arbor and Arbor Finance. You should also be able to connect with people and stay calm under pressure. Your responsibilities will include:
- Welcoming visitors and parents
- Managing day‑to‑day queries
- Handling administration, admissions, personnel, finance, and compliance records
- Managing office staff and caretaker
We require an excellent standard of maths, written and spoken English, and advanced ICT skills.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Great organisational and multi‑tasking skills
- Knowledge of school office procedures, including HR, H&S, financial and compliance records
- Professional communication with parents, staff and external contractors
- Trustworthy, discreet with data protection knowledge
- Enthusiastic and friendly, team‑player
- Ability to promote the school via website and social media
- Positive, patient, solution‑focused
- Flexible, hardworking, quick to learn
What We Offer
- Friendly staff and pupils
- Supportive parents and governors
- Excellent opportunities for professional development
- Supportive senior leadership team
Office Manager (Chalgrove Primary School) employer: Borough of Barnet
Chalgrove Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where the office is the heart of the school community. With a focus on professional development and a friendly atmosphere, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils and families. Located in Finchley, London, the school provides a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, communication, and a sense of humour.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager (Chalgrove Primary School)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Chalgrove Primary School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in an Office Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience with Arbor and school office procedures can shine through. We want you to show off your organisational skills and calmness under pressure!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your personality! Being approachable and having a sense of humour is key for this role. Bring that energy into your conversations and let them see the real you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Chalgrove Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager (Chalgrove Primary School)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:Make sure to highlight your organisational and multi-tasking skills in your application. We want to see how you can keep our busy office running smoothly, so give us examples of how you've managed similar tasks in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Office Manager role at Chalgrove Primary School. Mention your experience with Arbor and any relevant school office procedures.
Be Personable:Since you'll be interacting with staff, pupils, and parents, let your friendly personality shine through in your written application. We love a good sense of humour, so don’t be afraid to show a bit of your character!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Chalgrove Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and any recent news or events. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with the school's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
You'll be interacting with staff, parents, and pupils, so it's crucial to showcase your professional communication skills. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as handling a difficult parent or managing conflicting priorities. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your solution-focused mindset and ability to connect with people.
