At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate staff cover and support daily school operations for a vibrant learning environment.
- Company: Channing School, a nurturing and intellectually vibrant educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive community while developing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and at least 1 year of administrative experience; education experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28329 - 31599 £ per year.
Channing School is seeking to appoint a highly organised and proactive Cover Manager and Administrative Assistant to join the Junior School on a full-time permanent basis from September 2026. This is a pivotal administrative role focused on ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the school through the effective coordination of staff cover, timetabling and wider administrative support.
The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of daily cover arrangements for teaching and support staff, ensuring continuity of high-quality learning experiences for pupils when staff are absent. This includes managing planned and unplanned absences, coordinating internal and external cover staff, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the organisation of trips, clubs, events and wider school operations. The role also includes broader administrative responsibilities, working closely with the Junior School Senior Leadership Team to support the effective functioning of the school.
We are looking for a dynamic, calm and solution-focused individual with excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills. The successful applicant will demonstrate strong administrative experience, particularly in managing complex daily logistics such as timetabling and staffing coordination. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, adaptable and professional, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and unforeseen situations under pressure. Experience working within an educational environment or alongside primary-aged children is desirable but not essential. A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and supporting the values and ethos of the school is essential.
Channing Junior School is an intellectually vibrant and nurturing environment where responsibility, empathy, resilience, curiosity and independence are central to school life. Staff benefit from a supportive culture, excellent professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school community.
Hours: Full time, permanent Monday to Friday, term time only plus INSET days. Working hours: 7.00am – 3.00pm.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary in the region of £28,329 – £31,599 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications.
- Enrolment into the APTIS pension scheme (10% employer contribution).
- Free lunch and refreshments during term time.
- Access to excellent CPD and training opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to the wider life of the school community.
How to Apply: Please complete the TES application form by clicking on Apply below. CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form. If you are unable to submit your application via TES, please email recruitment@channing.co.uk. Deadline for applications: 9am, Tuesday 9 June 2026.
Safeguarding commitment: Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows safer recruitment procedures in line with current safeguarding guidance and all appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act. Ability to perform the role will be the primary consideration. In line with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches, including social media and third-party Safehire.
Cover Manager & Administrative Assistant employer: Channing
Channing School offers a supportive and nurturing environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. As a Cover Manager and Administrative Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Junior School, benefiting from excellent professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. Located in an intellectually vibrant setting, this position allows you to contribute meaningfully to the school community while enjoying a competitive salary and additional perks such as free lunches during term time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Manager & Administrative Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Channing Junior School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions. Think about how you'd handle various scenarios related to cover management and administrative tasks. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Channing Junior School.
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Manager & Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in administrative roles or working with children, and show us why you're the perfect fit for the Cover Manager & Administrative Assistant position.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website using the TES application form. We won’t accept CVs instead of the application form, so don’t miss out on this step! If you have any issues, feel free to reach out to us via email.
How to prepare for a job interview at Channing
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like managing staff cover and coordinating timetables. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Cover Manager and Administrative Assistant, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed complex logistics or solved problems under pressure. This will show them you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is crucial in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask them about their current processes, which shows your interest and engagement.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The job requires someone who can adapt to changing priorities. Think of instances where you’ve had to pivot quickly in a previous role. Sharing these experiences will highlight your ability to remain calm and solution-focused, which is exactly what they need.
