At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the school office, support staff, and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join a vibrant Catholic school community in Bolton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a caring school, making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team with a commitment to safeguarding and community values.
The predicted salary is between 23800 - 26500 £ per year.
Responsible to: Headteacher
Location: St Ethelbert’s R.C.P School, Bolton, BL3 5RL
Salary: Grade 6 scp 19-24 Actual Salary £27,821 - £30,729 (£32,061 - £35,412 FTE)
Term of Contract: Permanent
Hours per week: 37 Term Time Only 5 days
Start date: As soon as possible after 13th March 2026
Closing date: Friday 6th March 2026
St Ethelbert’s R.C.P. School is currently seeking an Office Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at the beginning of a journey of transition, development, and growth within the multi-academy trust.
Purpose of the role:
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly organised, and caring individual to join our dedicated and exceptional team as Office Manager. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the school office, providing vital administrative support to the headteacher, staff, pupils, and parents.
The Office Manager will be responsible for a wide range of duties including:
- Managing the day-to-day operation of the school office
- Overseeing pupil records
- Coordinating communication
- Supporting HR and finance processes
- Ensuring that all visitors receive a warm and professional welcome
The role requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy school environment. Previous experience in a school office or a similar administrative setting is desirable.
This role would suit someone with a commitment to supporting the values of the school and a willingness to be at the heart of our school community.
We are seeking an individual who is:
- Kind, patient, and enthusiastic with a genuine desire to support the smooth running of a busy school office.
- Reliable, approachable, and professional, able to follow procedures and use their own initiative when appropriate.
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a good level of literacy and numeracy.
- Can work effectively as part of a team and build positive relationships with staff, parents and visitors.
- Is willing to learn and adapt to new systems and procedures.
- Is flexible and able to manage competing priorities in a calm and organised manner.
- Has a strong commitment to our Catholic values and ethos.
- Has relevant experience and/or qualifications in administration or office management.
- Has knowledge of Arbor and Evolve – this is highly desirable.
- Has a good understanding of GDPR and the DPO role.
What we can offer:
- A supportive and dedicated Local Governing Board and Staff
- Highly effective safeguarding procedures
- A working environment where all feel valued and respected
- Supportive colleagues and governors with a clear vision and high aspirations for the school
- A highly dedicated and inspirational team
- A commitment to relevant, personalised Continuous Professional Development
- A happy, calm and welcoming working environment
- Happy, motivated children who are eager to learn
- An authentic Catholic community, where families of all faiths and none are welcomed and valued.
Prospective candidates are warmly welcomed to visit the school. Please contact Mrs Messham (Headteacher) through the school office to make an appointment.
Commitment to Safeguarding:
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Recruitment Assurance:
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check including Children’s barred list check and satisfactory references, including your suitability to work with children.
Applications will only be considered from individual applicants on our standard application form, and not via CV alone or agencies. An online search will be performed on all shortlisted applicants in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
Shortlisting date: Tuesday 10th March 2026
Interview date: Friday 13th March 2026
Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website.
Office Manager in Bolton employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Ethelbert’s R.C.P. School and its values. Understanding their mission and ethos will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since the Office Manager role is all about communication, try role-playing common scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when interacting with staff, parents, and visitors during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions! Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application via the official site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and keeps everything above board.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out the application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you align with our values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Refer to the job description and match your background to what we’re looking for in an Office Manager. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications via our website. It’s super easy, and this way, you’ll ensure your application gets to us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – apply today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand St Ethelbert’s values and mission. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a good fit for the role but also for their community.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy school environment.
✨Prepare for Interpersonal Questions
Expect questions about how you handle communication with staff, parents, and pupils. Think of specific instances where you've built positive relationships or resolved conflicts, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
If you have experience with Arbor and Evolve, be ready to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research on these systems. Showing a willingness to learn new tools can set you apart and demonstrate your adaptability.