At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily school office operations and support staff and students.
- Company: Supportive and inclusive school in Southwark, London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with excellent transport links and local amenities.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a welcoming community and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in school administration and strong knowledge of SIMS required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 50000 £ per year.
Experienced School Office Manager Required for a Supportive and Inclusive School in Southwark, South East London.
Pay: £18 - £25 per hour (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP / September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Long-term (with potential for a permanent position)
About the Role:
Vocational Recruitment is working in partnership with a welcoming and well-established school in Southwark to appoint an organised, professional, and proactive School Office Manager. This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for an experienced administrator who can oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy school office. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of administrative functions, acting as the first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, visitors, and external agencies. The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced school environment. Previous experience working within a school office setting and a strong working knowledge of SIMS are essential.
About the School:
This inclusive and supportive school in Southwark is committed to providing a positive learning environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school offers:
- A supportive and approachable leadership team
- A welcoming and friendly staff community
- Well-established administrative systems and procedures
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- A strong focus on pupil wellbeing and achievement
- Excellent transport links and local amenities
The school values the contribution of every staff member and recognises the important role the office team plays in supporting the wider school community.
Key Responsibilities for the School Office Manager Role:
- Oversee the daily running of the school office and administrative functions
- Manage pupil records, attendance data, admissions processes, and school census information using SIMS
- Act as the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and external agencies
- Coordinate school communications, correspondence, and enquiries
- Support senior leaders with administrative and operational tasks
- Ensure compliance with school policies, procedures, and statutory requirements
- Maintain accurate records and school management information systems
- Produce reports and manage school data using SIMS
- Manage office resources, supplies, and administrative processes
- Support the coordination of school events, meetings, and appointments
- Line manage and support administrative staff where appropriate
Requirements for the School Office Manager Role:
- Previous experience working within a school office environment (essential)
- Previous experience in a School Office Manager, School Administrator, or similar role (essential)
- Strong working knowledge and experience of using SIMS (essential)
- Experience managing attendance, admissions, pupil records, and school data (essential)
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- A proactive, flexible, and solution-focused approach
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
What the School Offers:
- A welcoming and supportive working environment
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Support from experienced senior leaders and colleagues
- Opportunities for career progression within the school
- The chance to play a key role in supporting pupils, staff, and families
- A rewarding position within a valued and respected school community
About Vocational Recruitment:
Vocational Recruitment is a people-focused, child-centred education agency committed to supporting local schools and the communities they serve. We work closely with schools across London to place dedicated education professionals who make a real difference every day. We value the contribution of school support staff at every stage of their career and pride ourselves on providing a supportive and approachable service. Our team takes the time to understand your experience and career goals, offering guidance and ongoing support throughout your placement.
How to Apply:
We would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV or contact Vocational Recruitment for further information.
Not the role for you? Refer a friend or colleague to us – once they complete 10 days of work, you'll both earn £125.
School Office Manager employer: vocational recruitment
Vocational Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Southwark, where the contributions of every staff member are valued. With ongoing training and professional development opportunities, as well as a strong focus on pupil wellbeing, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while playing a vital role in the school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. 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 the school and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to pupil wellbeing and how they support staff. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to school administration. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your organisational skills or handled multiple priorities. Being ready with examples will boost your confidence and impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which schools really appreciate.
We think you need these skills to ace School Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the School Office Manager role. Highlight your experience in school office environments and your knowledge of SIMS, as these are key requirements for us.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. We want to see how you can contribute to the smooth running of our busy school office.
Be Professional and Personable:As the first point of contact for parents and visitors, it's important to convey your strong communication skills. Use a friendly tone in your application to reflect the welcoming environment we foster.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at vocational recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SIMS and any relevant school administrative processes. Familiarise yourself with the school's values and mission to show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your previous experience that highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Think about specific situations where you successfully handled a busy office environment or coordinated events.
✨Practice Your Communication
As the first point of contact for parents and visitors, strong communication skills are key. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently, and be ready to demonstrate how you would handle inquiries or complaints professionally.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of the information you'll be handling, be prepared to discuss how you manage confidential data. Share examples of how you've maintained discretion in previous roles, as this will reassure the interviewers of your professionalism.
