At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing communications and supporting daily operations.
- Company: Join a prestigious independent school in vibrant Central London.
- Benefits: Temp-to-perm role with a supportive team and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in an educational community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; admin experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our client, a prestigious independent school in Central London, is seeking an exceptional School Secretary to join their dedicated team on a temp-to-perm basis. This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of school life, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to a thriving educational community.
This School Secretary will serve as the first point of contact for visitors, parents and visitors, presenting a warm, professional image of the school at all times. Working closely with the Head, the Director of Finance & Operations, and the Office Manager, this candidate will be required to provide comprehensive administrative and reception services, supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the school whilst upholding its ethos, values, and safeguarding responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be a highly organised and composed individual, capable of managing competing priorities in a busy, service-driven environment. First-class communication skills, a confident telephone manner, and strong ICT proficiency across Microsoft Office applications are essential.
English and Maths GCSE is required, and degree-level education is desirable. Previous experience in a busy administrative role is essential; experience within an educational setting would be a distinct advantage.
Hours: Mon – Fri 8 – 4 pm (sometimes 7.30 am start)
Based: Office / Central London
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Handle all telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries, taking messages and directing calls to the appropriate member of staff
- Manage incoming and outgoing mail
- Monitor the school office inbox, responding to or forwarding parent and staff enquiries as appropriate
- Support SLT and staff with parent communications
- Maintain accurate attendance registers, follow up on absent pupils / confirming daily lunch numbers
- Assist with the administration of school trips, including transport bookings and correspondence
- Manage extra-curricular club lists and communicate changes or cancellations
- Provide general administrative support using MS Office, SIMS and other school systems, ensuring accurate and efficient data management
- Receive deliveries and maintain a professional and welcoming reception area
- Act as a supportive and sympathetic point of contact for students and parents, whilst undertaking any other reasonable duties as required
School Secretary. Independent School. C London. DBS checked. Temp to Perm employer: Joyce Guiness Limited
Join a prestigious independent school in Central London as a School Secretary, where you will play a vital role in fostering a warm and professional environment for students, parents, and staff. The school offers a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth, providing opportunities for professional development within the educational sector. With a commitment to safeguarding and upholding its ethos, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Secretary. Independent School. C London. DBS checked. Temp to Perm
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that School Secretary role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school’s ethos and values so you can show how you fit right in. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or any relevant projects that highlight your organisational and communication abilities. We want to see how you can contribute to the smooth running of the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you, so don’t miss out on the chance to join a fantastic educational community.
We think you need these skills to ace School Secretary. Independent School. C London. DBS checked. Temp to Perm
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:As a School Secretary, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve kept things running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly:First-class communication skills are essential for this role. When writing your application, keep your language clear and professional. Don’t forget to showcase your confident telephone manner and any experience you have in handling enquiries.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the specific role. Mention your relevant experience in administrative roles, especially within educational settings, and how it aligns with the school’s ethos and values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joyce Guiness Limited
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the school’s ethos, values, and any recent news. This will not only help you understand their culture but also allow you to tailor your answers to show how you align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a School Secretary, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or priorities. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be the first point of contact, practice speaking clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common scenarios, like handling a difficult phone call or greeting a visitor, to showcase your excellent communication skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Make sure you're comfortable with Microsoft Office and any other software mentioned in the job description, like SIMS. If you can, brush up on these tools before the interview so you can discuss your proficiency confidently.