At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing enquiries and supporting daily office tasks.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Fulwood And Cadley Primary School, fostering a positive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and training in a welcoming school atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin or customer service, strong IT skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 25989 £ per year.
Location: Fulwood And Cadley Primary School, Cadley Causeway, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3QT (316 on roll).
Salary: £25,949 to £25,989 per annum (full-time equivalent, part-time, term-time only).
About the Role
We are seeking an organised, friendly and proactive Office Administrator to join our dedicated school team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy environment, enjoys working with people, and is confident using a wide range of digital tools and systems. As our Office Administrator, you will be the first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff and visitors, playing a key role in ensuring our school office runs smoothly and efficiently. You will embody our school values in everything you do, demonstrating professionalism, warmth, and a commitment to excellent service. Our core values are Resilience, Courage, Respect, Aspiration, Imagination and Determination, which are embedded across all aspects of school life.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing a welcoming and professional reception service.
- Managing telephone, email and in-person enquiries from families, staff, and external agencies.
- Using school information systems and digital platforms confidently to maintain accurate records and support administrative processes.
- Supporting pupil attendance monitoring and daily office routines.
- Preparing letters, documents, newsletters and digital communications.
- Handling general administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, ordering resources and maintaining stock levels.
- Assisting the Senior Leadership Team and School Business Manager with operational and administrative tasks as required.
- Upholding the school’s safeguarding duties and promoting the welfare of all children.
Essential Experience
- Experience of working in an administrative or customer-facing role.
- Strong IT skills, with the ability to use digital systems confidently (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, databases).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in a school or educational setting.
- Knowledge of school management information systems (such as SIMS/Arbor) or willingness to learn.
- Experience supporting attendance processes or data management tasks.
Desirable Qualifications
- First-aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
Other Qualifications & Requirements
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025: an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all people in terms of recruitment, selection and employment, and are a Disability Confident employer. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification will be interviewed. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note we can only consider applications from candidates who are legally entitled to work in the UK.
SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER 2 in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Fulwood And Cadley Primary School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the school embodies core values such as Resilience, Courage, and Respect, creating a vibrant community for both employees and students. Located in Preston, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere and opportunities for personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER 2 in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Fulwood And Cadley Primary School, its values, and its community. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As the first point of contact, you'll need to be warm and professional. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle enquiries smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your IT skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with digital tools and systems. If you’ve used any school management information systems before, make sure to highlight that – it could give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER 2 in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:As an Office Administrator, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage multiple tasks and keep everything running smoothly. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you’ve done this before.
Be Personable and Professional:Since you'll be the first point of contact for many, it’s important to convey warmth and professionalism in your written application. Let your personality shine through while maintaining a professional tone—this will help us see how you embody our school values.
Demonstrate Your IT Skills:We’re looking for someone who’s confident with digital tools. In your application, mention any relevant software or systems you’ve used, especially if you have experience with school management information systems. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for this role. Refer to the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know the School Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the school's core values: Resilience, Courage, Respect, Aspiration, Imagination, and Determination. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as this will show your alignment with the school's ethos.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since the role requires strong IT skills, be prepared to discuss your experience with digital tools and systems. Bring examples of how you've used software like Microsoft Office or school management systems in previous roles. If you have any specific achievements related to improving efficiency through technology, make sure to highlight those!
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact for various stakeholders, excellent verbal and written communication is key. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a short introduction about yourself that showcases your friendly and professional demeanour.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role involves multitasking and prioritising in a busy environment. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in the past. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, which will help you convey your organisational abilities effectively.
