School Admissions Assistant in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help children access education and support families through important transitions. Every child deserves access to education, and our School Admissions Team plays a vital role in making that happen. We work closely with schools, families, partner agencies and local authorities to ensure children and young people are able to access school places quickly, fairly and in line with statutory requirements. As part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will help deliver an efficient admissions service while making a real difference to the lives of children and families across the borough.

Use your organisation and customer service skills to help every child find their place. You'll be customer focused, organised and motivated by helping others. You'll enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, communicating with a wide range of people and ensuring every application is handled fairly, efficiently and with attention to detail. You'll also share our values of teamwork, flexibility, continuous improvement and excellent customer service.

What you will get to do:

• Process in-year transfer applications for primary and secondary school places, ensuring applications are handled accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Liaise with schools to identify available places and support the allocation process in line with admissions policies.
• Communicate outcomes to parents and carers, providing advice and guidance through phone, email, written correspondence and face-to-face contact.
• Maintain admissions records, databases and pupil information, ensuring data is accurate, up to date and compliant with statutory requirements.
• Work with colleagues, schools and partner agencies, including Fair Access and Children Missing Education teams, to support vulnerable children and secure appropriate school placements.
• Produce reports and admissions data, including information required for appeals, waiting lists and Department for Education returns.
• Monitor shared inboxes and provide a high standard of customer service, responding professionally to enquiries and resolving issues effectively.
• Support the production, checking and distribution of admissions documentation and communications.
• Investigate application information where required and help ensure admissions processes are fair, consistent and robust.

Accurate, organised and people-focused? Put your skills to work where they matter most.

What you will bring:

• A good standard of education, equivalent to Level 2 qualifications or above, supported by strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong administration experience, including accurate data entry, record keeping and use of databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to work with parents, schools and partner organisations.
• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A calm, flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to manage confidential information accurately and professionally.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services.

Our commitment to you: We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.