At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, and admin systems across two primary schools.
- Company: Join a supportive federation of community-focused primary schools.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and job security.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and collaboration with dedicated educators.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education and school operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and administration, strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Federation School Business Manager Required for September 2026 (or earlier)
Salary: PO6
Contract: Permanent All Year Round Post
Hargrave Park School and Robert Blair School are both one form entry primary schools with Under 3’s provision. In September 2025 we formed a federation to work in partnership together. Both are small maintained community schools, committed to working together to ensure high quality inclusive provision for our children.
We are looking for an exceptional Federation School Business Manager to work across both schools as a senior leader; working in close partnership with the Executive Head teacher for the federation and with both Heads of Schools.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership of finance
- Personnel and HR
- Premises, including Health and Safety
- Administrative systems across both schools
You will lead the administrative teams at both schools and ensure that management systems are robust, efficient and that the school meets all statutory requirements with regard to financial management, safer recruitment and Health and Safety compliance. You will be able to demonstrate flexibility, integrity and attention to detail.
Visits to the schools are strongly encouraged. Please contact Cyrilene Malcolm, our School Business Manager, to arrange a tour at either or both schools and meet with the Executive Headteacher, Lisa Horton.
Closing Date: Monday 22nd June
Interview: Friday 26th June
Hargrave Park School and Robert Blair School are committed to safeguarding the welfare of young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to DBS checks and excellent references. In line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.
Federation School Business Manager in London employer: Islington Council
Hargrave Park School and Robert Blair School offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, where the focus is on high-quality, inclusive education for children. As a Federation School Business Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives across both schools, fostering professional growth and development while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. With a commitment to safeguarding and a culture that values integrity and attention to detail, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Federation School Business Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the schools! We recommend visiting Hargrave Park and Robert Blair Schools before your interview. It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a feel for the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can provide insider info about the schools and might even give you a heads-up on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around finance and HR. We want you to shine, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of school management.
We think you need these skills to ace Federation School Business Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to both schools!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead others!
Attention to Detail is Key:Given the nature of the role, we’re looking for someone who pays close attention to detail. Make sure your application is free from typos and clearly structured. This reflects your commitment to quality and professionalism.
Visit Us Before Applying:We highly encourage you to visit Hargrave Park School and Robert Blair School before applying. It’s a great way to get a feel for our environment and show us your genuine interest in the role. Plus, you can meet the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your Schools Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Hargrave Park School and Robert Blair School thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and any recent news or achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, focus on experiences that directly relate to the key responsibilities of the Federation School Business Manager role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finance, HR, and compliance in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you've led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewers. Ask about their vision for the federation, how they measure success, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
