At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the school office, ensuring smooth operations and supporting staff and students.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive team at Southcote Primary School.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities, a collaborative environment, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting diversity is essential.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a vibrant school community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy office, preferably in a school setting, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 29597 - 34386 £ per year.
Salary: £29,597 to £34,386 per year
Contractual hours: 37 per week
Basis: Full time
Region: Term Time Only / Permanent / Full-Time
Job category/type: Administration / Clerical, Bursar, Education, Schools
Start date: July 2026
Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday – Term time plus insets, plus 1 additional week
Our friendly federation is seeking an enthusiastic, organised and self‑motivated Office Manager to join our hardworking and supportive team at Southcote Primary School. We are looking for a dedicated professional who takes pride in delivering high‑quality administrative support and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of a busy school office.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate exceptional organisation – able to manage multiple priorities and maintain a well‑structured, efficient office environment
- Communicate with warmth and clarity – building positive relationships with staff, parents, pupils and external agencies
- Bring emotional intelligence – remaining calm during busy school mornings and responding sensitively to upset children or concerned parents
- Have experience in a busy office, ideally within a school setting
- Use digital systems confidently – including experience with MIS such as SIMS, or willingness to undertake training
- Support and lead office staff effectively, modelling professionalism and teamwork
- Understand safeguarding responsibilities – including the updated KCSIE 2026 requirements around AI‑safeguarding, data protection and ensuring all staff are fully prepared to implement Part One of the guidance
- Uphold confidentiality and GDPR at all times
- Maintain the school’s digital presence – supporting website updates and contributing to positive, compliant social media communication
- Commit to ongoing professional development and training
Benefits:
- A welcoming, supportive and collaborative team
- Friendly, enthusiastic pupils who make every day meaningful
- Opportunities for training and development, including safeguarding and digital‑skills training
- A varied and rewarding role within our growing Federation
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support wellbeing
- A workplace where kindness, professionalism and humour are valued
Closing date: Sunday 21st June 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are found. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, appropriate references and health clearance. The Kennet Federation aspires to be an actively anti‑racist organisation. We recognise our aspiration as ongoing, involving collective commitment and accountability. We welcome employees who are committed to and will actively contribute to our efforts to celebrate our cultural diversity and be resolute in advancing inclusion and equity. We encourage candidates who share our ambition to apply, and we welcome applications from those with protected characteristics.
Office Manager - Southcote Primary School employer: Reading Borough Council
At Southcote Primary School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where kindness and professionalism thrive. Our dedicated team enjoys meaningful interactions with enthusiastic pupils and has access to ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting diversity, we invite passionate individuals to join us in making a positive impact in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager - Southcote Primary School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Southcote Primary School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to office management in schools. Think about how you’d handle busy mornings or sensitive situations with parents and pupils. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your digital skills! Familiarise yourself with MIS systems like SIMS, and be ready to discuss how you’ve used tech to improve office efficiency. It’s all about making that office run smoothly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager - Southcote Primary School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:As an Office Manager, organisation is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to juggle multiple tasks and keep everything running smoothly. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you’ve managed busy environments.
Communicate with Warmth:We love a friendly vibe! When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Use clear and warm language to demonstrate how you build positive relationships with staff, parents, and pupils. It’s all about making connections!
Highlight Your Experience:If you've worked in a busy office, especially in a school setting, shout about it! Share specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Office Manager in a school setting. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around organisation and communication. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in busy office environments, particularly if you've worked in schools. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed multiple priorities or handled sensitive situations, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Since the role involves interacting with children, parents, and staff, it's crucial to show your emotional intelligence. Think of instances where you've remained calm under pressure or provided support to someone in distress. Sharing these stories can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Digital Questions
Given the importance of digital systems in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with management information systems like SIMS. If you haven't used them before, express your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. This shows you're proactive and ready to take on new challenges.
