At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin and reception support in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community dedicated to student welfare and excellence.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to a positive school atmosphere.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of the school and make a difference every day.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a welcoming attitude are key.
We are seeking an organised, professional, and approachable School Secretary to join our busy school office team. This is a key front-facing role, providing exceptional administrative and reception support to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the school. The successful candidate will be the first point of contact for parents, pupils, staff, and visitors and will play an important role in supporting the wider administrative functions of the school.
As School Secretary, you will provide efficient reception and administrative support across a wide range of school operations, including attendance administration, pupil welfare, examinations support, communications, and general office management. This is a varied and fast-paced role suited to someone who is calm under pressure, highly organised, and able to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.
Key Responsibilities- Reception and Front Office:
- Act as the main point of contact for visitors, staff, parents, and pupils
- Answer and direct telephone calls promptly and professionally
- Manage visitor sign-in procedures and safeguarding protocols
- Escalate calls and queries to the Office Manager where appropriate
- Attendance Administration:
- Maintain accurate pupil attendance records
- Monitor attendance throughout the school day
- Follow up on missing registers with teaching staff
- Contact parents regarding pupil absences when required
- Sign pupils in and out during the school day
- Keep databases, address lists, and pupil records up to date
- Student Welfare:
- Support pupils who feel unwell and ensure appropriate procedures are followed
- Provide front office cover for the School Nurse when required
- Ensure pupils leaving school due to illness are signed out correctly
- School Administration:
- Send school communications and letters (including Trips and Sixth Form as needed) via iSAMS
- Maintain confidential pupil records and filing systems
- Support school events and administrative projects
- Create locker labels and tuck cards for new pupils
- Liaise with parents regarding emergency contact and medical information
- Liaise with IT regarding technical support requirements
- Examinations Support:
- Assist the examinations team with exam processing and certificates
- Maintain accurate records for examination documentation and distribution
- Office Organisation:
- Process incoming and outgoing post
- Manage staff pigeonholes
- Book taxis for staff members
- Sixth Form Responsibilities:
- Support the Sixth Form front desk daily between 10:45am and 12:45pm, undertaking duties including, but not limited to, the following:
- Supporting the Sixth Form Manager and carrying out day-to-day tasks as directed
- Completing visitors’ forms for the speaker programme and Sixth Form events
- Supporting the compilation of the Sixth Form Notices and Futures Newsletter
- Additional Responsibilities:
- Support Duke of Edinburgh administration
- Undertake Fire Marshal duties
- Carry out administrative and research tasks during school holiday periods as directed by the Head
- Support the Sixth form front desk daily during the hours of 10:45-12:45pm
- Compliance with Health & Safety responsibilities
- Participation in appraisal and professional development/training
- Flexibility to adapt to changing school needs and duties
The successful candidate will have:
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A professional and welcoming manner
- The ability to work efficiently in a busy environment
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- Confidence using Microsoft Office
- Experience in school management systems such as iSAMS is desirable
- A commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding
For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page. Closing date for applications: 8:00am on Monday 15th June 2026. First stage online interviews will take place w/c Monday 15th June 2026. Final stage interviews will take place w/c Monday 22nd June 2026. Applications will be considered as they are received. The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage. Francis Holland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and adhere to the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks.
School Secretary employer: Francis Holland School, Sloane Square
Francis Holland School is an exceptional employer that values professionalism, organisation, and a welcoming atmosphere. As a School Secretary, you will be part of a supportive team dedicated to fostering a positive educational environment, with opportunities for professional development and growth. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative and dynamic work culture.
Contact Detail:
Francis Holland School, Sloane Square Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research its values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a School Secretary, you'll be the first point of contact for many. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as professional and approachable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've managed multiple tasks effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive 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 proactive and keen on joining our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace School Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:As a School Secretary, 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’ve handled busy environments.
Be Professional and Approachable:Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents, pupils, and visitors, it’s important to convey a professional yet friendly tone in your application. Let us see your personality shine through while maintaining that professional edge!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role of School Secretary. Mention relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school!
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Holland School, Sloane Square
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a School Secretary. Familiarise yourself with tasks like attendance administration and pupil welfare. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple priorities. Be ready to discuss how you stay calm under pressure and keep everything running smoothly.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact, strong communication is key. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and professionally. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with handling various scenarios, like dealing with parents or visitors.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savviness
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and school management systems like iSAMS is a plus. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be prepared to discuss how you’ve used them in previous roles. Showing that you can hit the ground running will impress the interviewers.
