Office Manager – Secondary School – Reading

A well-established secondary school in Reading is looking to appoint an experienced and highly organised Office Manager to oversee the efficient day-to-day operation of its school office. This is a key administrative position for someone who is confident managing office processes, supporting colleagues and communicating professionally with students, parents, carers and visitors. The successful candidate will help ensure that the school office operates smoothly and that administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time.

The role would suit an individual who is organised, proactive and comfortable managing several priorities simultaneously. You will need to remain approachable and professional while also being confident enough to take responsibility and use initiative.

School Information

This is a well-established secondary school in Reading with a strong commitment to academic achievement, student wellbeing and personal development. The school serves a diverse student community and aims to provide an environment where young people can achieve highly while developing confidence, independence and positive relationships. The school places strong value on effective communication between staff, students and families. The school office is therefore a central part of the wider school community and provides an important link between different departments.

The successful Office Manager will work closely with senior leaders, teachers, pastoral staff and other administrators. You will be expected to provide a reliable and professional administrative service while ensuring that important procedures and records are maintained accurately.

School Office Team

The Office Manager will oversee the daily organisation of the school office and support the effective delivery of administrative services. You will be responsible for managing enquiries, correspondence, records and administrative processes, while also supporting senior staff with a variety of tasks. The office can be busy and priorities may change throughout the day. The successful candidate will therefore need to remain organised, calm and flexible while ensuring that important deadlines are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the school office.
• Coordinating administrative tasks and priorities.
• Providing administrative support to senior leaders.
• Acting as a key point of contact for parents and carers.
• Answering telephone calls and responding to enquiries.
• Managing incoming emails and correspondence.
• Welcoming visitors and ensuring appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Maintaining accurate student and administrative records.
• Updating school databases and information systems.
• Preparing letters, documents and reports.
• Supporting admissions and student administration.
• Assisting with attendance-related administration.
• Organising meetings, appointments and paperwork.
• Supporting school events and activities.
• Liaising with external organisations and professionals.
• Maintaining effective electronic and paper filing systems.
• Handling confidential information appropriately.
• Ensuring information is communicated to relevant staff.
• Monitoring administrative deadlines.
• Supporting colleagues during particularly busy periods.
• Maintaining a professional and welcoming office environment.
• Reviewing administrative processes and identifying potential improvements.
• Supporting consistent office procedures.
• Assisting with general school administration when required.
• Following school policies relating to safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality.
• Contributing positively to the wider operation of the school.

Experience and Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience in office management, senior administration, school administration or a similar professional role. Education experience would be advantageous, particularly where the candidate has experience working with parents, students and confidential records. However, strong candidates with transferable office-management experience will also be considered. You should be highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. Strong attention to detail is essential, particularly when maintaining records and preparing important documentation.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous office management or senior administrative experience.
• School administration experience would be advantageous.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong time-management ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Professional telephone and email manner.
• Strong IT skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and databases.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Confidence communicating with parents, staff and visitors.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Good judgement and discretion.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Flexibility and resilience.
• Commitment to providing a high-quality administrative service.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to follow all safeguarding procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe and professional school environment. All appropriate pre-employment checks will be completed before the successful candidate begins employment, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Application

This is an excellent permanent opportunity for an experienced Office Manager or senior administrator who wants to take on a central role within a busy secondary school. If you are organised, professional and confident working with a wide range of people, please send your CV as soon as possible. Applications will be considered promptly for an as soon as possible start.