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- Tasks: Support the Headteacher and lead the school admin team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join John Ferneley College, a vibrant educational community focused on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and ambition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a school setting while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research John Ferneley College and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to PA and office management roles. Think about how you can demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities, just like the job description highlights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at John Ferneley College.
We think you need these skills to ace PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in busy administrative environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of PA and Office Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational prowess!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication, both written and verbal, make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Use concise language and check for any typos – we love attention to detail!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As you'll be leading the school administration team, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you can bring that experience to our school.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 being the first point of contact for various stakeholders, practice clear and professional communication. Prepare examples of how you've effectively handled inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain a solutions-focused approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is key for this position. Bring along examples of how you've managed competing priorities in a busy environment. You could even create a brief outline of how you would handle multiple tasks, like coordinating school events while managing the central inbox.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
As you'll be leading the school administration team, it's important to highlight any previous leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. This will show that you can build strong working relationships and lead others effectively.