At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, and administration to enhance school operations and support pupil wellbeing.
- Company: Holtspur School, a caring and ambitious primary school with excellent facilities.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression within a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare is essential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a diverse community while advancing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in school finance, HR, or administration; strategic thinker with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About us Holtspur School and Pre School is a caring, ambitious one form entry primary school with excellent facilities, including a DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) ARP, a large pre‑school and superb outside spaces. Our vision is — Caring, Inspiring, Achieving — and values (Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Kind, Be Unique) are lived every day. Serving a diverse community we prioritise inclusion, high expectations and pupil wellbeing.
As a senior leader you will have visible, hands‑on responsibility for finance, HR, administration and premises - translating detailed systems into strategic decisions that directly improve teaching, support our ARP provision and make day‑to‑day school life better for pupils, families and staff. This role is ideal for someone already working in a school in a business function who wants a clear SLT remit and the opportunity to progress their career.
Key responsibilities (summary)
- You will sit on the SLT and be the hub for finance, HR administration, office leadership and premises — turning robust systems into strategic decisions that protect resources and further drive school improvement.
- Lead school finance: budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations, procurement and value‑for‑money decisions.
- Drive compliance & assurance: SFVS, statutory returns, audit readiness and strong internal controls.
- Own HR administration & safer recruitment: Single Central Record, contracts, absence monitoring and payroll liaison.
- Line manage the school office administrative staff; oversee pupil data, census returns and parental contact.
- Oversee estates, health & safety and statutory site checks; manage contractors and premises planning.
- Provide clear, timely financial and operational reports to the Headteacher and governors; contribute to strategic planning and resource decisions.
Who we’re looking for
- Essential: currently working within a school setting (school business, finance, office manager, senior admin or comparable role).
- Experience of schools finance, confident with school budgets and management information.
- Proven HR/safeguarding, administration, HR compliance and Single Central Record experience.
- A strategic thinker who explains finance clearly to non‑finance colleagues and governors.
- Calm line‑manager and strong organiser committed to inclusion and improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
Safeguarding & checks
Safeguarding is our highest priority. Enhanced DBS and satisfactory pre‑employment checks required. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 — certain convictions must be declared (see DBS filtering guidance). Two suitable references required; an online check will be carried out for shortlisted candidates.
Other information
Holtspur School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants are required to declare: all unspent cautions and convictions, all adult cautions and spent convictions that are not protected. Successful candidates will be subject to full vetting checks, including a disclosure of criminal records at an enhanced level. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a self‑disclosure form and return prior to interview.
School Business Manager employer: Holtspur School & Pre-School
Holtspur School and Pre School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a caring and inclusive work environment, fostering professional growth and development for its staff. With a strong commitment to high expectations and pupil wellbeing, employees are empowered to make strategic decisions that directly enhance the educational experience for all students. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers excellent facilities and a supportive leadership team, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in education management.
Contact Details:
Holtspur School & Pre-School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a School Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of school finance and HR practices. Be ready to discuss how you've improved systems in your previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to Holtspur School.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusion and pupil wellbeing during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported disadvantaged pupils or enhanced their learning environment—this will resonate with the school's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working in a school shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in pupils' lives and how your values align with ours at Holtspur School.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in finance, HR, or administration within a school setting. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you've contributed to school improvement and supported diverse communities.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
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, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holtspur School & Pre-School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll need to be confident with finance. Brush up on budgeting, forecasting, and procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how you've managed school finances in the past and how you can apply that experience to improve Holtspur School's financial health.
✨Showcase Your HR Savvy
Make sure you highlight your experience with HR administration and compliance. Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of safer recruitment practices and how you've managed staff records. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also someone who values the wellbeing of staff and pupils.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic thinker, so come armed with examples of how you've turned detailed systems into actionable strategies. Think about times when your decisions have directly improved school operations or outcomes for pupils, especially those with SEND.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Holtspur School values inclusion and improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Be ready to discuss your commitment to these values and provide examples of how you've supported diverse communities in your previous roles. This will resonate well with the school's vision and mission.
