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- Tasks: Lead business support to enhance high-quality Catholic education for students.
- Company: St. Mary's Catholic High School, a caring and high-achieving community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Great location with excellent transport links and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business management and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged, please contact Francisca at the details below to arrange. Excited to find out more about our school? Please see our Welcome Video here.
St. Mary\’s Catholic High School is a small and growing secondary school delivering high-quality Catholic education in the centre of Croydon. At a time of rapid change in our town centre, and with significant developments in the provision of Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Southwark this is an exciting time to join our OFSTED good school, which is consistently one of the highest achieving schools in Croydon. Our commitment is reflected in our outstanding Progress 8 score for 2024, which places us in the top 5 schools for Croydon. We take pride in our school\\\’s dedication to supporting disadvantaged pupils and fostering social mobility. Our staff are passionately committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. OFSTED Quotes:
- \”St Mary\\\’s Catholic High School is a deeply caring community. Its pupils and staff live up to their core values of being welcoming, serving others and working hard\”
- \”Pupils like coming to school and enjoy learning. They feel safe here and know that staff go the extra mile to check their whereabouts and well-being\”
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for this rewarding and enjoyable position will lead all aspects of our work to support education; you will develop and manage the team of business professionals who facilitate the delivery of high-quality Catholic education for young people through effective support to teaching and other staff. You will develop our facilities to generate commercial income, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for staff and students. Key projects include introducing a new MIS, improving banking and finance systems, implementing a large-scale network and IT project, and enhancing premises, including a new sports MUGA. With our strong financial position, you have the opportunity to elevate St Mary\\\’s, leveraging its central location and solid academic foundation. Inspiring students to do their best, and we take pride in bringing this vision to life every day through our commitment and passion. You do not need to be a practicing Catholic to apply.
- Excellent travel links with Central London and South London: 5 min walk from West Croydon (Southern Railway, Windrush Line – Overground, Tram and Bus) and 7 min walk from East Croydon (Thameslink, Southern Railway, Southeastern Railway, Gatwick Express, Tram and Bus).
- Great location close to excellent shopping and local amenities
- A collaborative approach and positive relationships
- Strong strategic leadership
- Support from managers and colleagues.
- Equality of opportunities for staff
- Appreciation of staff achievement and contribution.
- Induction of new staff and ongoing development for ECT.
- Students\\\’ respect for staff and others
- Support for career progression
- Links with St Mary\\\’s University for professional development (10 members of staff have either completed or progressing on the MA in Catholic School Leadership)
- Access to on-site car and bicycle parking facilities for all members of staff
- Generous local authority pension scheme for support staff
- Our staff are deeply committed to promoting social mobility, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
- Your New Role:
- To provide professional leadership in all aspects of business support across the school, developing and leading the team of professionals who facilitate the delivery of high-quality Catholic education for young people through effective support to teaching and educational support staff
- To provide strategic leadership and operational direction to the management of finance, HR, facilities and estates, IT, catering and administration services of the school, promoting the highest standards of business and effective use of resources
- To be a member of the senior leadership team
- To provide professional support, advice, and guidance to the Headteacher, SLT and governors where applicable, on all financial processes and administrative practices in accordance with school policies including finance, human resources, health & safety, and the management of the site
Application details:
- As full time SBM on a 52-week contract rather than term time only you will be expected to be in the school during term time, but there is a degree of flexibility in terms of hybrid working during school holiday periods as well as a degree of flexibility as to when you might take leave, Your application is a direct permanent application to our school (not through agency), Hays is our recruitment partner for all permanent appointments.
- Closing Date: Immediate, no later than 12 noon Friday 17th October 2025. Please note early applications are encouraged and will be considered as they are received.
- Interview Date: Week Commencing Monday 20th October 2025
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School Business Manager employer: St Mary's Catholic High School
Contact Detail:
St Mary's Catholic High School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Reach out to Francisca and arrange a visit. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and get a feel for the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 2
Watch the Welcome Video! It’ll give you insights into the school's culture and values, helping you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff if you can. They can provide insider info on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows you're serious about the role and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for education and the role of a School Business Manager. Share why you’re excited about supporting students and staff in a Catholic school environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to know how your background aligns with our mission at St. Mary’s!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Catholic High School
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to visit St. Mary's Catholic High School and get a feel for the environment. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
As a School Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare for questions about how you would manage finances, HR, and facilities. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led similar initiatives or projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to discuss your approach to managing teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and positive relationships in previous roles, especially in educational settings. Highlight your commitment to supporting disadvantaged pupils and promoting social mobility.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the school's future projects, how they measure success, or what support systems are in place for staff development. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the school's long-term vision.