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- Tasks: Join our team as an Administrative Assistant, supporting daily school operations during term time.
- Company: Be part of George Heriot's School, Edinburgh's leading independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, enhanced sick pay, and discounts on retail.
- Why this job: Experience a supportive community where your contributions are valued and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Previous office experience is preferred; school experience is a bonus but not essential.
- Other info: This role involves working with children, requiring PVG membership for safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 21649 - 23716 £ per year.
The following content displays a map of the jobs location – Edinburgh
Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only)
Job Reference schooltalent/TP/606/2002
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Full Time -Term Time
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:
04/08/2025
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, in addition to basic salary, 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
We are seeking to recruit a dedicated, organised and hard-working Administrator to work throughout Term-Time in order to support and deliver a variety of administration tasks, as part of our busy school team.
Our office team are situated within the Main Reception area at the heart of the school campus and, as such, serve as a central point of reference and contact for pupils, parents, staff and visitors to the school. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with great administration skills to gain a wide variety of experience in a varied and challenging role.
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 (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 youngpeople and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults,under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidateswill be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Please note that parking is not available on our campus
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applicationsfrom all sections of the community.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463
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 expertise 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
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of George Heriot's School. Understanding their motto, 'I distribute chearfullie', can help you align your responses during interviews and show that you share their commitment to kindness and community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the school. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience in busy office environments, even if it's not specifically in a school setting. Emphasising your organisational skills and ability to multitask will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during your interview that reflect your interest in the school's community involvement and support for staff development. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant (Term-Time Only)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Administrative Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what the school is looking for.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in administrative roles. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to work in a busy environment.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the school. Mention specific aspects of the school’s ethos that resonate with you and explain how you can contribute to their community. Keep it concise and professional.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an administrative role.
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson's College
✨Research 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.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to your previous administrative experience and how it applies to a school environment. Be ready to discuss your organisational skills and how you handle busy office situations, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Role
Express genuine interest in working at George Heriot's School. Highlight your passion for supporting the educational community and how you can contribute positively to the school's environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how the school supports its staff. This shows your engagement and interest in being part of their community.
