Administrative Assistant and Receptionist (Casual) in Oxford

We are looking for a reliable, approachable professional who understands the significance of being the heartbeat of our front office. We value a steady hand and a genuine interest in people:

• A Welcoming Presence: You understand that the reception desk is the first place our families turn to for help, and you take pride in ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
• A Steady Hand: You remain calm and collected during busy periods, managing multiple requests with a steady, organised approach.
• Commitment to Safety: You understand that our reception is the first line of defence in safeguarding, and you are diligent about following our protocols to keep our students and staff safe.
• Practical Problem Solving: You are happy to take on the varied tasks of a school office and enjoy the fast‑paced nature of a community‑centred environment.
• Community Connection: You share our belief that being an active, visible part of the local community is essential to our identity.

We are looking for a reliable individual to join our front office team on a casual basis, providing essential support as and when we need it. As the first point of contact for The Oxford Academy, you will be the face our students, parents and visitors see the moment they arrive. Your presence sets the tone for their entire experience of the school; by keeping the front office running smoothly, you ensure that our community feels welcomed, safe and truly valued from the moment they step through the door.

This is an exciting time to join The Oxford Academy, where our values of ‘commitment to others, commitment to learning’ drive everything we do. We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated professional who shares our deep belief that education has the power to transform lives, communities and society for the better. You will be joining a team where staff are genuinely proud of the work they do, recognising how valuable a high‑quality education is for improving pupils' life chances, and remain very positive about working at the school (Ofsted 2026).

At our school, support is a true collective effort that is woven into our daily life. This is clearly demonstrated through our Sixth Formers tutoring younger pupils, as well as our student‑led assemblies on social responsibility. Furthermore, our celebrated Student Council actively influences local policy on transport and safety at Delegates' Assemblies, ensuring our students have a powerful voice in the wider area. We don’t just work within the community; we are an active part of it. From hosting our annual Community Iftar to partnering with the Oxford Hub Pre‑Loved School Uniform Shop, we ensure our families feel cared for and deeply included.

If you have high expectations of yourself and others, and want to be part of an embedded learning culture where strong, warm relationships are the absolute foundation of learning, we would love to welcome you to the team.

At The Oxford Academy, we offer pride, aspiration and opportunity to every member of our community, with significantly improved learning outcomes. We are committed to ensuring that our students and staff are highly successful through sustainable, positive improvements in our school.

Do you want to work in a school that:

• Is friendly and community‑centred, where staff genuinely feel part of a team?
• Utilises a new teaching approach that has helped to dramatically improve both pupils' behaviour and participation in lessons.
• Places staff well‑being at the heart of everything we do.
• Employs a full‑time Instructional Coach who works with staff to develop practice through specific teaching goals that maximise student learning.
• Benefits from a culture where behaviour across the school is now very positive. Pupils are calm and respectful, with positive attitudes to learning.
• Prioritises high‑quality bespoke CPLD and collaboration opportunities across a successful and highly respected multi‑academy trust.

The Oxford Academy is an important part of our local community, and we actively encourage individuals from our area—including parents of our students and residents in our neighbourhood—to join our team. We believe that being part of a community goes far beyond our physical location; it is about fostering genuine connections, understanding and mutual support. By investing in local talent, we ensure that our school's values align closely with the daily needs and aspirations of the families we serve.

At our school, we want everyone to feel safe, valued and respected—not just in theory, but in practice. We are fully committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they truly belong. Our community deeply embraces its unique character; as noted by inspectors, pupils are proud of the school's very diverse character, and they appreciate the way they are taught about respect and positive behaviour.

This intentional focus ensures that pupils are happy in school. They feel known and liked by their teachers. This helps to build the school's sense of cohesion and belonging.

When you join us, you are not just becoming part of our internal school family; you are joining an organisation that actively cares for and remains a pillar of the local community. We would love to hear from applicants from all diverse backgrounds who share this profound commitment to inclusion.

Employee Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing: Free annual flu vaccines, Discounted gym memberships (onsite gym), Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, 24‑hour access to a free counselling helpline (including family and debt advice), Flexible working solutions, Reduced teaching time, Onsite nursery provision through Little Peeple Nursery.
• Financial: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), with employee contributions of 19.2%, Eligible for a Blue Light Card – hundreds of offers/discounts on local and national stores, Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Career Progression: Opportunities for CPLD and access to apprenticeships, Developmental performance management conversations, Apprenticeship opportunities for ‘on the job training’, Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions.

At RLT, we believe we achieve more together than alone. Our schools are united by shared principles, collaboration and a belief in the power of education to change lives. Our Vision: for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably — to be better faster together. Our ‘Why’: children and young people only get one go at school — we aim to ensure it’s the best possible one. Our ‘How’: through the highest support and challenge for each other, underpinned by shared principles.

Employees benefit from extensive continuing professional learning, strong wellbeing and staff networks, and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS). For more information, see our "Working in RLT" guide.

The River Learning Trust and The Oxford Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We encourage interested candidates to visit the school before applying. To arrange a visit, please contact Reception: enquiries@theoxfordacademy.org. For more information about The Oxford Academy, please visit our website.

At The Oxford Academy, we believe in ‘courage, compassion and curiosity’. We have a strong track record of offering exceptional care to our families and students, providing a supportive environment where both staff and students are encouraged to make a difference beyond the classroom.

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates before the closing date and may make an early offer to an exceptional applicant.