At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students and staff in a nurturing school environment while managing essential administrative tasks.
- Company: Join The Link School, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to special education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and progression within a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with unique needs and grow your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
The predicted salary is between 27925 - 31341 € per year.
Location: The Link School – Satellite, Mollison Drive (Access via Lancastrian Road), Wallington, SM6 9JN & The Link School - The Cottage, 3 Carew Manor Cottages, Church Road, Wallington, SM6 7NH
Working Pattern: 36hrs MTW(8.30-16.00) ThFr(8.30-16.30) Term time only + 3 weeks.
The Link School specialises in supporting students aged 4 to 18 with Speech, Language, and Communication difficulties, including autism spectrum conditions and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). In addition to its Primary and Secondary sites, the school also operates two satellite sites, both designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for autistic young people with demand-avoidant profiles. The school provides a warm, safe, friendly and nurturing environment, which helps pupils to learn, express their ideas, communicate, develop friendships and grow in confidence and self-esteem. Our dedicated staff deliver an outstanding education grounded in practitioner research, offering a holistic curriculum that fosters both personal and social development, as well as cognitive growth.
Due to the expansion of this work onto a satellite site, we are looking to recruit a part-time School Office Administrator to join our team of teachers and therapists who would be interested and committed to helping us further develop our work for children with this unusual profile.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and support safeguarding compliance, including maintaining the Single Central Record and ensuring all staff, visitors and contractors meet safeguarding requirements.
- Provide professional front-of-house and administrative support, acting as the first point of contact for parents, visitors and external agencies.
- Manage school administration systems including attendance, student records, finance, correspondence and statutory returns.
- Support student welfare, admissions and transitions, including medical needs, first aid, annual reviews and liaison with parents and professionals.
- Assist with the organisation of school events, outings, inventory management and staff wellbeing activities in liaison with the Office Manager.
Key Requirements:
- Strong numeracy and literacy skills with accurate typing and keyboard proficiency.
- Confident use of computer-based administrative systems, managing sensitive data securely in line with school policies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel) to produce reports, correspondence and manage databases.
- Excellent communication skills, selecting the most effective method to suit different situations and audiences.
- Ability to work autonomously with initiative, organise information effectively and perform well under pressure.
OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
- Employee Wellbeing – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work – visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day.
Our Trust: The Link School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities. It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference.
In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.
Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form. Please note that CV applications cannot be considered. To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.
Closing Date: 27/02/2026
Interviews will take place on: WC 02/03/2026
To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Safeguarding Statement
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
School Office Administrator in Croydon employer: The Link School
The Link School, part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding, we ensure that our team can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in Wallington, our nurturing atmosphere and collaborative culture make it an ideal place for those passionate about education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Office Administrator in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Link School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a School Office Administrator, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play with a friend to nail down how you'd handle different situations, from parents to external agencies.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed administrative tasks in the past. Whether it's keeping records or organising events, have some stories ready to share.
✨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 Link School.
We think you need these skills to ace School Office Administrator in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Skills:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your strong numeracy and literacy skills. We want to see how you can manage sensitive data securely and use Microsoft Office like a pro!
Tailor Your Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to align your experience with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing how you can support student welfare and manage school administration systems.
Be Professional Yet Friendly:Remember, you're applying for a front-of-house role! Use a professional tone but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re all about creating a warm and friendly environment here at The Link School.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website using the ‘Fast Apply’ option. It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Link School
✨Know the School's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand The Link School's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting students with communication difficulties and autism. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
As a School Office Administrator, you'll need strong organisational skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed administrative tasks in the past, such as maintaining records or coordinating events. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've had to adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, whether it's parents, students, or external agencies. Highlight your ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, as this is vital in a school environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the team you'll be working with, and any upcoming projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive nature!
