Data Manager - Secondary School - Barnsley

A well-established secondary school in Barnsley is looking for an experienced Data Manager to join its administration and support team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is a key operational position for someone who understands the importance of accurate student information and can work carefully to deadlines. You will be responsible for maintaining and updating school data systems, supporting statutory reporting, preparing information for senior leaders and ensuring staff can access accurate data when they need it.

The role would suit someone who enjoys working with databases, spreadsheets and administrative systems but who is also comfortable communicating with colleagues across the school. You will need to be methodical and thorough while being able to respond quickly when information is required at short notice.

This is an established secondary school in Barnsley serving a diverse student community. The school has high expectations for students and is committed to providing an organised, supportive and ambitious learning environment. The school uses a range of pupil information to monitor attendance, academic progress, behaviour and wider student outcomes. Reliable data is therefore essential to the day-to-day work of teachers, pastoral staff and senior leaders.

The Data Manager will work closely with the school's leadership and administration teams to ensure information is collected, checked and presented appropriately. You will also liaise with staff who enter or use data, helping to identify and resolve discrepancies. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of their responsibilities and work proactively. Rather than simply entering information, you will need to check its accuracy, identify potential problems and raise issues where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining accurate student records across school information systems.
• Updating student information promptly when circumstances change.
• Checking data for errors, omissions and inconsistencies.
• Maintaining accurate contact details for students and families.
• Supporting student admissions and leaver administration.
• Processing changes to student records.
• Managing relevant data within the school's management information system.
• Preparing regular reports for senior leaders.
• Producing attendance information and reports when required.
• Supporting the collection and analysis of assessment data.
• Preparing information for pupil progress and departmental meetings.
• Supporting teachers with relevant data requests.
• Maintaining accurate records relating to student groups and cohorts.
• Assisting with school census preparations and statutory data returns.
• Checking information before important submission deadlines.
• Working with administrative colleagues to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintaining electronic filing systems.
• Ensuring sensitive information is stored securely.
• Supporting data protection procedures.
• Producing spreadsheets and reports using Microsoft Excel.
• Maintaining records of data submissions and checks.
• Supporting the school's use of data to monitor student progress.
• Identifying practical improvements to data processes.
• Providing administrative support relating to examinations and assessments where required.
• Responding efficiently to reasonable requests from senior leaders and staff.
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Accuracy will be fundamental to the position. The successful candidate should be comfortable checking information carefully and following established processes.

Data Management and Reporting

The Data Manager will support the school with a variety of reports. These may include attendance information, assessment data, student demographics, progress information and other reports requested by school leaders. You should be confident taking information from different sources and presenting it clearly. Strong Excel skills will be particularly useful, as you may be required to filter, organise and analyse information within spreadsheets.

You will also need to understand that not every request will have the same level of urgency. Statutory deadlines and senior leadership requirements may need to be prioritised alongside routine data maintenance.

Working with Staff

You will work with teachers, pastoral staff, administrative colleagues and senior leaders. Some staff may require assistance understanding where information is located or how to access particular reports. You should therefore be able to explain administrative and data processes clearly without unnecessarily complicating matters. You will also need to challenge inaccuracies professionally. If information does not appear correct, you should be confident raising the issue and working with the relevant colleague to resolve it.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

The successful candidate will have access to sensitive information relating to students and their families. Confidentiality is therefore essential. You must understand that student information should only be accessed and shared for appropriate professional reasons and through approved systems. You will be expected to follow the school's data protection policies and report any concerns regarding information security.

Experience and Requirements

The school would ideally like to appoint someone with previous experience in data administration, school administration, MIS management or a similar role. The successful candidate should have:

• Previous experience in data administration or a related role.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Good numerical and analytical ability.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with databases.
• Experience using management information systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Confidence working independently.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a school team.
• Strong confidentiality and data protection awareness.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• A methodical and reliable approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding.
• Experience with SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom or another education management system would be advantageous.

Safeguarding

The role involves access to confidential information about children and families. You must therefore understand the importance of safeguarding and appropriate information sharing. Any concern identified through student records or communication must be escalated through the school's established safeguarding procedures.

Application

To apply for this Data Manager position in Barnsley, please send your CV as soon as possible. The school is keen to arrange interviews promptly and is looking for an organised and accurate candidate who can start ASAP.