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- Tasks: Provide essential administrative support in a busy school office environment.
- Company: Join George Heriot's School, Edinburgh's leading independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive community that values kindness and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in an administrative role is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and involvement in the school community.
The predicted salary is between 21649 - 23716 £ per year.
Overview
Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only) – Job Reference schooltalent/TP/606/2074
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Full Time – Term Time
Salary: The actual salary range for the position is £21,649 p/a – £23,716 p/a (FTE £26,472 p/a – £28,888 p/a).
Working Hours: 37 hours p/w, between 8.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday, Term-Time Only
Location: Edinburgh
Closing Date: 17/09/2025
Department: Operational/Professional Services
Region / Division: George Heriot\’s School
Job Role: Operational/Professional Services
Package Description
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school – distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school.
Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for Support Staff, includes:
- Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution with 5% employee contribution)
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The Role
George Heriot\’s School is seeking a highly organised, proactive, and friendly Administrative Assistant to join our busy school office. The successful candidate will provide essential administrative and clerical support to the staff and students, acting as a crucial point of contact for the entire school community.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administration skills to gain a wide variety of experience in a varied and challenging role.
Day-to-Day tasks include;
Reception and communication
Administrative support
Data management
Main Responsibilities
Please see attached job description for full details.
The Ideal Candidate
Previous experience of working in a busy office environment in an administrative/receptionist position is required. Specific experience of working in a school or educational establishment is not necessary but would be advantageous.
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protecte d Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Parking is not available on our campus.
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
About the school/organisation
George Heriot’s School
George Heriot’s School is Edinburgh’s leading independent school. Academically proven and recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland in June 2024, the school’s best practice in wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and in raising attainment and achievement, is acknowledged. The school has 1,670 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.
As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I and his wife Queen Anne. Goldsmiths at that time were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and over the years has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a fully funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes.
Separately, the school has continued to apply the transformative powers of education, opening 21 Out Schools in the 1800s which educated over 100,000 boys and girls in Edinburgh before the advent of the Children’s Act, and more recently supporting Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees to build a better life in Scotland. Each year the school spends approximately £1.3 million to support the education of bursary and Foundation pupils.
Today the school is an award-winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and being voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey.
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Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only) employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues to let them know you're on the hunt for an Administrative Assistant role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on common questions for administrative roles and showcase your organisational skills and proactive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Heriot’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Administrative Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for, like organisation and communication. A personalised CV shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you want to join our team at George Heriot's School and how your background makes you a great fit. Keep it friendly and professional, just like our school community.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your administrative skills. Mention any experience with data management or reception duties, as these are key in our busy school office. We love seeing how you can contribute to our supportive environment!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand George Heriot's School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'I distribute chearfullie', and think about how you can embody this in your role as an Administrative Assistant. Showing that you align with their mission will make a great impression.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Administrative Assistant, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure everything runs smoothly in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Think about the types of questions you might be asked during the interview. For instance, they may want to know how you handle difficult situations or how you communicate with staff and students. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in the role and the school. You could ask about the team you'll be working with or how the school supports professional development for its staff. This shows you're engaged and eager to contribute.