At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic office team and manage school operations effectively.
- Company: The Avenue Primary School, committed to mutual respect and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy school office and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 24994 - 26844 £ per year.
Pay Scale: Scale Point 19-23 (£24,994 - £26,844 per annum)
Contract: 32 hours per week. Term time only plus one week.
Hours of work: 4 days a week, 8.00 am to 4.30 pm
Required from 1st March 2026. Temporary until 31st December 2026.
The Avenue Primary School are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and highly motivated Office Manager to lead a Team within our successful school, where everyone is valued within our ethos of mutual respect. We are looking to appoint someone who wants to make a difference, ensuring the school is compliant with all aspects of safeguarding and safer recruitment, to run effectively, efficiently and successfully with the welfare and wellbeing of all pupils and staff in mind.
The role is multifaceted, and the successful candidate should have experience working in a busy school office. He/she should demonstrate excellent listening and communication skills and empathy for all stakeholders. We have a current school capacity of 480 plus a 52-place Nursery, and the successful candidate will need to be able to develop professional relationships with children, staff, parents, external professionals and the wider community.
The Office Manager will manage a small office team and work very closely with the Senior Leadership Team, in conjunction with managing the school office. The ideal candidate will be someone who can think on their feet, be flexible, resilient, well-organised, able to multitask, able to approach difficult situations positively and be able to see the bigger picture across the whole school.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide support to the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team
- Continue to build the school's image and relationships within the wider community
- Manage the school office, dealing with all enquiries and administration requirements
- Be responsible for the safe recruitment and payroll of staff, devising effective administrative procedures in line with Trust policies, ordering and invoices, updating the Single Central Record, managing pupil payments, among other tasks.
- Ensure the successful running of the school building on a day-to-day basis.
If you could make an amazing contribution to our school, please look carefully at the following materials and complete the application form. Please include a cover letter detailing your skills, attributes and experience for this position. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to a successful DBS clearance (certificate of disclosure form from the Disclosure and Barring Service). Pre-employment checks, including an online and social media search (KCSIE 2023), will be undertaken before an appointment is confirmed.
Please return completed applications directly to James Hunter, Head of School: recruitment@theavenue.lingfieldtrust.org.uk
Visits to the schools are welcomed at the following times:
- Wednesday 17th December 2025 – 3.30 pm
- Thursday 18th December 2025 – 3.30 pm
- Thursday 8th January 2026 – 3.30 pm
Closing Date: Friday, 9th January 2026 at 9.00 am
Shortlisting: Friday 9th January 2026
Interviews: Friday 16th January 2026
Office Manager employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research The Avenue Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to office management and safeguarding. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to the school's success.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Schools are looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits well within their team. Be yourself and let them see how you can positively impact the school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This shows professionalism and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experience match what they're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your personality and explain why you're the perfect fit for the Office Manager role. Don’t forget to mention your experience in a busy school office and how you can contribute to the school's ethos.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When filling out the application form, be specific about your past roles and responsibilities. We want to know how your previous experiences have prepared you for this position, especially in managing an office team and dealing with various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the school's ethos and values. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a good fit for the role but also for their community.
✨Showcase Your Multitasking Skills
As an Office Manager, you'll need to juggle various tasks. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed multiple responsibilities at once. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the busy environment of a school office.
✨Emphasise Communication and Empathy
Given the importance of relationships in this role, be ready to discuss how you've built rapport with different stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your listening skills and how you approach difficult conversations with empathy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios you might face as an Office Manager and how you would handle them. This shows that you can think on your feet and are prepared for the challenges of the role.