At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the School Admissions Team with applications and queries for school placements.
- Company: Join Oldham Council, dedicated to vibrant communities and better lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education and community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage your workload effectively.
The predicted salary is between 27274 - 29071 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term to December 2027 (maternity cover)
Salary: £27,274 - £29,071 per annum (Grade 4)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Location: Oldham Council Offices, Spindles Shopping Centre, George Street, Oldham OL1 1HD
Closing Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Interview Date: TBC.
Role Overview: We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to provide effective support to the School Admissions Team, in the discharge of the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities in relation to school admissions, in year school transfers and school bus passes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support with the administration of allocating school places at allocation points and in year transfers.
- Inputting and updating information on the central pupil database (admissions module) and management information systems.
- Liaise with colleagues, schools and partner agencies to secure school places for all Oldham children.
- Answer telephone calls, e-mails and face to face queries, ensuring that parents receive accurate information and appropriate support on the process of applying for school places.
- Support the process of School Bus Pass applications.
Key Requirements: To succeed in this role, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively advise and provide customer service to all members of the public and staff in schools.
- Prioritise and take responsibility for your own workload.
- Use your initiative to respond to unexpected problems using recognised procedures & policies as a guide.
- Utilise computer packages for word processing, spreadsheets, databases and researching information.
About Us: We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities.
Our Values and Behaviours: By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. Our core values are ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together’, which shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham.
Our Benefits Package: At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes:
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years’ service.
- The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment: We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy: For details of how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice.
Important Information: Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
School Admissions Support Officer employer: Oldham
Oldham Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community welfare and employee development. With a focus on meaningful work in the heart of Oldham, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with dedicated partners, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of residents seeking secure housing solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Admissions Support Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Oldham, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Oldham and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace School Admissions Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Oldham and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Oldham, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Oldham.
