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- Tasks: Ensure smooth school operations, manage communications, and coordinate events for students and parents.
- Company: Join Downsend, an innovative independent school with a vision to inspire future leaders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and ongoing professional development.
- 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: Dynamic role with varied tasks and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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.
School Administrator in Leatherhead employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Administrator in Leatherhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Downsend or Cognita on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Downsend's values and recent achievements. Show us how your skills align with their mission to inspire and innovate in education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to administration and customer care. We want to see how you handle pressure and prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace School Administrator in Leatherhead
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. We want to see how you can juggle responsibilities like a pro!
Be Personable: You’ll be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, so let your friendly personality shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've provided excellent customer care in previous roles – we love a warm welcome!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we're looking for. Mention your experience with IT systems and Microsoft Office, as well as any relevant school administration experience. We appreciate a tailored approach!
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 into our hands quickly. Don’t forget to submit before the closing date – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨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 successfully managed multiple tasks or events. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise time-sensitive tasks and maintain attention to detail, as these are crucial in a busy school environment.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents and visitors, it's important to highlight your excellent people skills. Share specific instances where you've provided exceptional customer care 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 will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the administrative tasks efficiently.
