At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Office Administrator, supporting a vibrant school community.
- Company: The Abbey School, a warm and inclusive environment for secondary pupils.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your admin skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong IT skills, and a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth.
Location: Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8DY
Salary: Pay scale WA5-14 to WA5-20 (FTE: £27,224pa to £31,341pa) (Actual: £10,674pa – £12,289pa)
Vacancy Type: Part Time: 15 hours per week over 2-3 days, Term Time + 1 week (40 weeks) Flexible Hours (30 mins unpaid lunchbreak)
We are a special school for secondary pupils from Years 7 to 11 who have learning and additional needs. We are now looking for an experienced, confident, patient and efficient Office Administrator to join our warm and friendly team.
Applicants will require a confident and friendly manner, be a team player, have the ability to work to deadlines and remain calm under pressure. Applicants must be able to work autonomously or as part of a team. Excellent IT skills and strong interpersonal skills are a must, as is a good sense of humour!
We have a highly collaborative administrative team who communicate openly, support one another and maintain a caring and cohesive working environment. The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of this supportive team. They will be able to use their own initiative and work independently. Having experience in working within a school or busy office environment is advantageous.
The Abbey School converted to Academy status on 1st September 2018 and is part of the Weydon Multi Academy Trust (WMAT). We were graded Outstanding by OFSTED in 2009, 2012, 2016, December 2022 and June 2024.
Duties and responsibilities
This is an admin role working closely with the Operations Manager in a fast paced environment operating under pressure to achieve high standards across the school. The Admin Team fosters a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with a strong sense of community. New team members are welcomed and supported with a working culture that feels collaborative and caring. The successful applicant's duties will include but not be limited to:
- Procurement of designated items such as furniture and equipment for the school. Administer the full purchasing cycle, including raising purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and resolving discrepancies.
- DSE (Display Screen Equipment) Assessor (training can be given) for the school, carrying out occasional DSE assessments and implementing corrective actions to promote safe and ergonomic working practices.
- Responsible for producing the fortnightly Eco Newsletter and for leading the Eco-committee, ensuring termly meetings are planned, recorded and actions completed.
- Oversee the school’s Eco‑Schools Green Flag process, ensuring all Green Flag criteria are met through effective action planning.
- Supporting the Operations Manager to co-ordinate fundraising, proactively communicate requests for funding to support the school’s development plan.
- Due diligence with safeguarding.
- Adhere to GDPR legislation in working practices.
Person Specification
Essential
- English and Maths at GCSE grade 4 or equivalent.
- Ability to use a range of IT applications; Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Documents, Publisher and Power Point.
- Adaptable to variation of tasks with moving priorities.
- Appropriate experience in administration.
- Eco-sustainability knowledge or enthusiastic to learn and help the students and school team make a difference.
- Proven track record of effective working within a team.
- Accurate written communication skills, including proof-reading.
- Handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Liaising with parents/carers with the ability to empathise and support.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload.
- Excellent telephone manner.
- Communication skills to be excellent at all levels.
- Be able to manage own workload.
- Be able to work autonomously or as part of a team.
- Accurate data input.
- Work well under pressure.
- Proactive / ‘Can-Do’ approach.
Desirable
- Schools systems e.g. Arbor, Inventry, Every (training can be given).
- Knowledge or enthusiasm to learn and use AI and keep up to date with innovative new approaches.
- Working in a school setting.
- Knowledge of HR.
- Knowledge of Special Educational Needs.
- Flare for design.
- Supportive.
- Used AI or willing to learn.
- Flexible working – Cover absences occasionally when needed.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Abbey School, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Office Administrator in Farnham employer: The Abbey School
Contact Detail:
The Abbey School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Administrator in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Abbey School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to office administration. Think about how your skills match the job description, especially your ability to multitask and work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Abbey School.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Administrator in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your application, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background fits with the role of Office Administrator, so don’t hold back on showcasing your IT skills and any previous admin experience!
Be Yourself: We’re all about a friendly and supportive atmosphere here at StudySmarter. Let your personality shine through in your application! A good sense of humour and a positive attitude can go a long way.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve got your application ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Abbey School
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Office Administrator role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like procurement and DSE assessments. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires strong interpersonal skills, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with colleagues, parents, or students in previous roles. Highlight your ability to empathise and support others, as this is crucial in a school environment.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
The job requires excellent IT skills, so be ready to discuss your experience with Microsoft Office and other relevant applications. If you have experience with school systems like Arbor or Inventry, mention it! If not, express your enthusiasm for learning new tools and technologies.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
This position is all about collaboration, so be sure to convey your ability to work well within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in the past, and don't forget to mention your 'can-do' attitude when faced with challenges!