Senior Admin Officer | Comprehensive Secondary Academy | Islington in London

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly organized, articulate, and proactive Senior Admin Officer to lead administrative operations, manage school data platforms, and oversee front-of-house services within a bustling secondary academy in Islington. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the successful candidate will supervise administrative personnel, coordinate pupil attendance and data reporting, support senior leadership with statutory returns, and maintain high standards of operational efficiency across the academy.

THE SCHOOL

Set on a modern, purpose-built campus in Inner North London, this vibrant secondary academy supports over 1,100 pupils aged 11–18. As a community-focused comprehensive school, it combines high academic expectations with strong pastoral care and inclusive values. The administrative team functions as the operational hub of the school, ensuring seamless daily office workflows, exemplary safeguarding compliance, and professional communication with families, local authorities, and external partners.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Administrative Supervision & Workflows: Supervise administrative assistants and reception staff, allocating daily tasks, managing shift rotas, and ensuring efficient office coverage throughout the school day.

• MIS & Data Management: Oversee the school Management Information System (Arbor, SIMS, or Bromcom), maintaining student records, coordinating attendance reporting, and compiling official census returns for the DfE.

• Admissions & Transition Support: Coordinate the secondary intake process, manage mid-year student admissions, process student file transfers, and liaise with local authority admissions teams.

• Leadership Secretarial Support: Provide high-level administrative assistance to the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, preparing confidential correspondence, managing governor meeting papers, and assisting with official school events.

• Safeguarding & Visitor Compliance: Enforce strict campus access protocols, conduct identity checks in accordance with Single Central Record (SCR) requirements, and ensure sensitive pupil data is handled securely under GDPR guidelines.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Strong educational background with GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above). Relevant qualifications in Business Administration, Office Management, or School Business Operations (e.g., NVQ Level 3/4) are highly desirable.

• Experience: Substantial administrative experience within a UK secondary school, academy, or post-16 college, with demonstrated expertise in managing school MIS platforms and leading office routines.

• Skills: Advanced IT proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, school databases), excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong leadership ability, and the capacity to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Located in the culturally rich Inner London Borough of Islington, the academy serves a diverse and energetic community. Islington blends historic Georgian squares and vibrant commercial corridors like Upper Street and Holloway Road with major cultural venues, independent arts spaces, and central London landmarks nearby.

• Transport & Commuting: Islington offers exceptional public transport connections across London. The academy is easily accessible via extensive TfL bus routes and central rail hubs, including Highbury & Islington, Angel, and Finsbury Park (underground and Overground networks), providing rapid transit directly into Central London, King's Cross St Pancras, and the City.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.