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- Tasks: Support the Headteacher and lead a dynamic school administration team.
- Company: Join John Ferneley College, a vibrant educational community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of the school, making a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28542 - 30579 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional PA and Office Manager to provide high-level, confidential support to the Headteacher and lead our busy school administration team. This key role is at the heart of the school, ensuring the smooth running of leadership, communication, and operational processes. You will act as a trusted gatekeeper, a professional representative, and an organisational anchor within a fast-paced secondary school environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide proactive PA support to the Headteacher, including diary management, meeting coordination, and preparation of briefing materials.
- Act as the first point of contact for staff, parents, governors, and external agencies, ensuring a professional and solutions-focused response.
- Lead and supervise the school administration team, ensuring high standards and efficient processes.
- Oversee the school's central inbox, triaging enquiries and ensuring timely responses.
- Coordinate key school events such as Open Evenings and Parents' Evenings.
- Produce high-quality written communications, reports, and correspondence.
- Support recruitment administration, safeguarding compliance, and accurate MIS updates.
- Work collaboratively with Trust colleagues and external partners.
About You
- Has recent experience in a busy administrative environment.
- Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person.
- Is highly organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities.
- Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and absolute discretion.
- Builds strong working relationships and leads others effectively.
- Is committed to our Trust values of collaboration, inclusion, and ambition.
Experience in education, safeguarding procedures, or school MIS systems (e.g., Bromcom) is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work collaboratively across the school and help deliver a high-quality service.
- An extensive and personalised professional development programme to help you achieve your own goals.
- A great sense of community and range of opportunities for staff and students.
- Opportunities to develop your career within our growing Trust.
- High-quality continuous professional development throughout the year.
- Career progression opportunities within the Trust.
- Occupational sick pay, maternity, and paternity pay.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Free eye care tests.
- On-site parking.
- Employee wellbeing schemes.
- Accessible central services including HR, finance, and IT.
Further Information
- Annual salary: Grade 9 £28,542 - £30,579.
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- Term time plus INSET plus 2 weeks (41 weeks).
- Closing date: 9am, Monday 1st June 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Mowbray Education Trust embraces and welcomes diversity and equality. Mowbray Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all those working within the Trust to share this commitment. All roles are subject to full pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check.
PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray employer: John Ferneley College
Contact Detail:
John Ferneley College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at John Ferneley College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role of PA and Office Manager, especially around diary management and communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed competing priorities in past roles. This will demonstrate you're the perfect fit for the fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at John Ferneley College.
We think you need these skills to ace PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of PA and Office Manager. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our busy school environment!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication, be sure to demonstrate your writing prowess in your application. Use clear, professional language and make it easy for us to see how you can effectively represent the school.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks with ease. In your application, share examples of how you've managed competing priorities in previous roles. This will help us understand your ability to keep everything running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at John Ferneley College.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Ferneley College
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College. Familiarise yourself with diary management, meeting coordination, and the importance of being a professional representative. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves clear communication with staff, parents, and external agencies, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. Think about times when you resolved conflicts or provided solutions to problems, as these will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced environment of a school.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is key for this position. Bring along examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past. You could even create a simple plan or timeline for a hypothetical school event to showcase your planning skills during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Team Leadership Experience
As you'll be leading the school administration team, it's important to highlight any experience you have in supervising or mentoring others. Share specific instances where you led a team to success, focusing on collaboration and inclusion, which align with the Trust's values.