Admin Manager & PA to SLT

About the School-Downsend - Main
Downsend is an innovative andforward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire ageneration to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will makechange in our world.
At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative andproblem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we neverhold back.
We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend familyhave been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent SchoolInspectorate.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experiencedAdmin Manager & PA to SLT to join our fantastic team.This role is term-time plus - 40 weeks per year, 40 hours per week.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 17 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 95,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the role
To ensure a high-quality, seamless parent experience for families and pupils by enhancing the efficiency, organisation, and operational effectiveness of Downsend’s administrative function. A key aspect of this role is the contribution to a cohesive and positive journey for families from Little Downsend through to Downsend Sixth. Collaborating closely with colleagues in Marketing and Admissions, you will pick up the relationship with these families and will lead your team to ensure every interaction is exceptional as they join the school and become part of the Downsend community.
Providing support to the SLT, you will be a key point of contact for stakeholders across the school providing expertise in all areas of parent experience and administration. The role reports to the Executive Head, with a dotted line to the Operations Manager.
To view a full job description, please click here .
Who we\'re looking for:
This is a fantastic opportunity for an efficient, organised and approachable professional who is an outstanding administrator to join our school. The successful candidate should have excellent communication, attention to detail, organisational skills and will possess the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will thrive in fast-paced environments and can manage competing priorities with ease. It is important that you have a warm, caring and professional manner at all times, as you will be dealing face to face with parents, pupils and colleagues on a daily basis. Experience of working in a school setting is preferable but more importantly you will have exceptional admin, IT and organisational skills, and a flexible “can do” approach.
Benefits at Cognita
• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Aviva Pension
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 17th August 2025
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.