At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage office operations and support staff to ensure a smooth school environment.
- Company: Join The Matthew Arnold School, part of the Bourne Education Trust, known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a condensed school year, ongoing training, well-being support, and free gym access.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and a focus on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a community that transforms lives and inspires students to dream big.
- Qualifications: 2 years of relevant experience and GCSEs in Maths and English required.
The predicted salary is between 28330 - 28330 € per year.
We are seeking an Office Manager to join our team at The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust. The Matthew Arnold School is a thriving mixed comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds in Staines-upon-Thames, rated 'Good' in our February 2024 Ofsted inspection where we were recognised as 'a school where students and staff are aspirational.'
Our philosophy centres on both academic improvement and character development, encouraging students to challenge themselves and embody our motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve." Our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration are embedded throughout school life. The people make our school special—from inquisitive children growing into confident young adults, to our talented staff who guide them. We provide an ambitious curriculum complemented by excellent facilities and a diverse enrichment programme, while our strong pastoral structure ensures students develop into resilient individuals. Additionally, our newly established purpose-built smallholding, home to goats, chickens, and ducks, provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate nurturing and caring skills.
As part of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a successful multi-academy trust comprising twenty-four schools across Surrey, Hampshire, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, staff benefit from a robust support network in a collaborative environment. We are committed to creating a community where students, staff, and families proudly contribute to both the school and wider community through "transforming schools...changing lives".
Details
- Position: Office Manager
- Contract: Term time, permanent
- Salary: PS7 pro rata £28,330 (£32,512 FTE)
Benefits
- Condensed school year with two week half term in October
- Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities
- Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service
- Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests and flu vaccinations
- Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform
- Work-life balance, and family friendly policies and processes
- Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme
- Occupational sick pay
- Free access to onsite gym after school
Key Responsibilities
- Line management, training and development of designated administrative staff including reviewing performance and conducting staff appraisals
- Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the administrative functions within the school
- To act as a liaison between the Headteacher, Leadership Team and the wider School Community to ensure that matters are dealt with promptly and effectively
Essential Requirements
- An awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children
- Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
- Educated to GCSE Standard at Grade A - C for a minimum of 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English, or equivalent qualifications
Our Culture
- Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
- Collaborative and innovative
- Committed, engaged and professional
- Advocates for equality and inclusivity
Office Manager employer: BOURNE EDUCATION TRUST
The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong commitment to staff development, well-being initiatives, and a focus on work-life balance, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Located in Staines-upon-Thames, the school offers unique opportunities for engagement with students and the community, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the educational journey of young individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Matthew Arnold School or Bourne Education Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and culture. Show us how your experience aligns with their commitment to respect, kindness, and aspiration. We love candidates who resonate with our ethos!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for situational ones. Think about how you’d handle specific challenges in an office management role. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Office Manager role. Highlight your relevant work experience and any achievements that showcase your ability to manage administrative functions effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for education and how your values align with ours at The Matthew Arnold School. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you embody our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:As an Office Manager, you'll need to be a great communicator and a team player. Make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in liaising with different stakeholders, as this will be key in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOURNE EDUCATION TRUST
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with The Matthew Arnold School's core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration. Think about how your own experiences align with these values and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to them.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks efficiently. Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing administrative functions and how you ensure smooth operations. Bring along examples of systems or processes you've implemented that improved efficiency in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations, especially regarding safeguarding children. Think of a few challenging situations you've faced in the past and how you resolved them, focusing on your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions! Inquire about the school's approach to staff development or how they foster a collaborative environment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school culture aligns with your values.
