At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school’s admin, finance, and health & safety operations for effective management.
- Company: Join Grace Garden School, part of Ruskin Mill Trust, dedicated to innovative education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor learning activities and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft applications.
The predicted salary is between 35619 - 36896 £ per year.
£35,619.36 - £36,896.29 Dependent on qualifications and experience
40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Plus an additional £1,000 per annum responsibility allowance for undertaking the role of School Allergy Champion
Start date: July 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for a School Business Manager to join Grace Garden School, becoming a key member of the leadership team and playing a pivotal role in the effective running of the School. The post holder will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the School’s administrative, financial, technical, health and safety, premises and clerical support services, ensuring these functions are delivered to a high standard and effectively support the School’s leadership. This role is central to school planning, continuous improvement and the wider life of the School and Ruskin Mill Trust, requiring strong leadership, professionalism and a clear commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
Main Duties include:
- To manage the administrative team and function including the administrative, school reception, reprographics, publications, record keeping and telephones
- To be registered as the Schools Exam Officer and carry out all duties within regulations
- To support the Senior Leadership Team with strategic planning in relation to the business and support services of the school, including all financial implications, and ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently
- To share responsibility with SLT, in conjunction with the Maintenance & Aesthetics Manager, for the maintenance of the school site and the buildings, the preparation of maintenance schedules and the efficient operation of all facilities on the property
- To carry out all aspects of health and safety tasks, audits, weekly, monthly and termly tests and provide feedback to Executive Principal
To undertake this position successfully you will have:
- Experience working in a managerial role within an administrative function
- A track record of successfully managing a team to handle diverse workloads and meet strict deadlines
- Proficient in Microsoft applications
- Capable of collaborating effectively with various teams
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication, organisational, and resilience skills
- Ideally, have experience working in a SEND setting
Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding; we offer competitive salaries and holiday allowances, an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option, a health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash. In addition, staff receive valuable training opportunities including an in-depth interactive induction to enable our new team members to experience our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and opportunities for further training and academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.
Full details of our benefits can be viewed on our website.
Grace Garden School is located on an 18-acre smallholding on the outskirts of Bristol, offering a range of outdoor learning activities in practical land and craft work to support the education and development of children and young people. Grace Garden School is part of Ruskin Mill Trust.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.
School Business Manager in Bristol employer: Ruskin Mill Trust
Contact Detail:
Ruskin Mill Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a School Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Grace Garden School and Ruskin Mill Trust. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to school management and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. A well-prepared application can set you apart, so take your time to fill it out thoroughly and showcase your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application form to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of School Business Manager. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team at Grace Garden School!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about effective management, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a team, so let us know how you've done that in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the only way to apply is through our website! Make sure you submit your application before the closing date of Tuesday 19th May 2026. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ruskin Mill Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a School Business Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of financial management, health and safety regulations, and administrative processes. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re ready to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively and manage diverse workloads, which is crucial for this position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Share instances where you’ve worked with senior leadership or other departments to achieve common goals, highlighting your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of child welfare and safety practices. Share any relevant experiences or training you have in this area to show that you take this responsibility seriously.