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- Tasks: Manage school operations, support events, and be the friendly face for parents and visitors.
- Company: Join Downsend, an innovative independent school with a vision for the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunch, and school fee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with strong people skills and previous admin experience.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the School - Downsend: Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world. At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back. We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be 'excellent in all areas' by the Independent School Inspectorate.
About the Role: As a School Administrator, you will be at the heart of our school's operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly for students, staff, and parents. You will be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, providing a warm and professional welcome while handling inquiries efficiently. Your responsibilities will include managing communications and events for the Junior School, supporting Senior School administration, and coordinating extra-curricular programmes. You will also assist with school-wide events, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with data protection and safeguarding policies. This is a varied role where no two days are the same, and your contribution will directly impact the experience of our school community. This is a permanent role, needed 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, 40 weeks per year.
Who We Are Looking For: You are an organised, proactive individual with excellent people skills and a strong sense of customer care. You thrive in a busy environment, remain calm under pressure, and can prioritise time-sensitive tasks. Attention to detail and confidentiality are second nature to you. You are confident using IT systems and familiar with Microsoft Office. Previous experience in administration or reception is essential, and experience in a school setting is desirable. If you are adaptable, reliable, and enjoy working as part of a friendly team, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays / Holiday Allowance
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 8th February 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. 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.
Locations
School Administrator in Leatherhead, Surrey employer: Cognita Ltd
Contact Detail:
Cognita Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Administrator in Leatherhead, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Downsend or other Cognita schools. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Downsend's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about being part of our innovative community!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to administration and customer care. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re truly interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace School Administrator in Leatherhead, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: As a School Administrator, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage multiple tasks and keep everything running smoothly. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you thrive in busy environments.
Be Personable and Professional: Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, it's important to convey your excellent people skills. In your application, let us know how you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and share any relevant experiences that showcase your customer care abilities.
Attention to Detail Matters: We love candidates who pay attention to detail! Make sure your application is free from typos and errors, and emphasise your experience with maintaining accurate records. This will show us that you understand the importance of confidentiality and compliance in a school setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our fantastic team at Downsend!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Ltd
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to understand Downsend's innovative approach and vision. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to inspiring students and shaping future leaders. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a School Administrator, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or events. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail, especially in a busy environment.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, it's crucial to highlight your excellent people skills. Think of specific instances where you've provided exceptional customer service or resolved conflicts effectively. This will show that you can create a warm and professional atmosphere at the school.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with IT systems and Microsoft Office. If you have any specific software knowledge relevant to school administration, mention it! Being tech-savvy is a big plus, so prepare to talk about how you've used technology to streamline processes in previous roles.
