Administration Assistant (The Eastbourne Academy)

Hours of work: 37 Hours

Working pattern: Full-time, Term-time only (As the position is term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Salary: £25,316 - £26,378 - SAT; £21,871 - £22,789 Pro Rata

Term Time + 5 Staff Development Days

37 hours per week

June 2026 start

Interviews: w/c 1st June 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with good literacy and communication skills to work in our busy reception and provide administration support across the Academy.

Purpose of the Job: To be responsible directly to the Office Manager for the efficient operation of the school’s administration functions. This encompasses all administrative duties related to welcoming visitors, staff, and pupils at reception, handling telephone communications, and providing effective and efficient services to the school, parents, visitors, and pupils. Additionally, the role involves supporting administration tasks related to the Behaviour Team.

• The post holder will have day-to-day contact with the Headteacher, staff, pupils, parents, and Governors, as well as staff from Swale Academies Trust, other agencies, other schools, the local community, and representatives of a wide variety of goods and services.
• Effectively communicate with parents through email, paperwork, texting systems, and other methods.
• Undertake a range of clerical duties as directed by the Office Manager and/or Office Supervisor to ensure well-presented and accurate correspondence, reports, letters, and other documentation.
• Assist in maintaining the Team’s central filing system, archiving/destroying documents as necessary to ensure adherence to the school’s Document Retention Policy.
• Deal with any emergency issues in the absence of office colleagues to ensure the efficient running of the department.
• Assist in maintaining general office systems.
• Support the Office Manager with finance administration, including processing invoices, purchase orders, and other financial documents, distributing financial reports, and maintaining records as required.
• Ensure the reception is covered at all times.
• Serve as the first point of contact for pupils, parents, and visitors at reception, addressing queries or referring them as necessary to ensure effective resolution both in person and via telephone.
• Retrieve voicemail and mailbox messages, addressing queries or referring them to the appropriate department as needed.
• Handle incoming mail, parcel deliveries, and exam papers and coordinate collections with the relevant department.
• Ensure that all visitors receive the appropriate safeguarding checks and are issued the correct coloured lanyards accordingly.
• Prepare and take the Academy post to the post office for mailing.
• Administration tasks related to the Behaviour Team.
• Ensure the Reception area is presentable at all times.
• Carry out any other duties as requested by the Office Manager and/or Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack. This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Join us to benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
• Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
• Access to training and development
• On-site Parking
• Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Lisa Wood, Office Manager, at lisa.wood@swale.at or 01323 514900. Applications should be made via TES or by submitting a SAT Application Form to lisa.wood@swale.at. Please note, we cannot accept CVs.

If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact recruitment@swale.at or 01795 905989. We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details/application forms on file once the position is filled. The Eastbourne Academy may undertake online searches of any candidates as part of the Shortlisting Process. Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure. Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.