At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate business operations and finance to enhance school efficiency and effectiveness.
- Company: Join Watling Academy, an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school in Milton Keynes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on respect, responsibility, and kindness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for improving systems.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
Commencing – September 2026
All Year Round
37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Working pattern negotiable for the right candidate
Salary – £36,363 to £40,777 FTE
Are you someone who enjoys making sense of numbers, improving systems and helping organisations run more effectively? Do you want to play a key role in shaping how a growing school manages its finances, operations and future opportunities?
The Role
Watling Academy is seeking an ambitious Business Coordinator to play a central role in the delivery of the Academy’s finance and business operations. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will provide the structure, insight and oversight needed to ensure systems are effective, sustainable and support informed decision‑making across the school.
At the heart of the role is the ability to turn complex financial information into clear, meaningful insight. You will support budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes, ensuring leaders have the information they need to plan effectively and manage resources with confidence. You will also take ownership of key financial systems and processes, from purchasing and accounts payable through to ensuring compliance, accuracy and value for money across all areas.
Beyond finance, you will play a significant role in ensuring the wider business functions of the school operate efficiently. This includes overseeing administrative provision, supporting marketing activity and contributing to income generation through lettings, grants and other opportunities. Your ability to spot inefficiencies, strengthen processes and implement improvements will be key as the Academy continues to evolve.
The role also brings involvement in projects, contracts and operational developments, giving you the opportunity to contribute to strategic priorities while maintaining a strong grip on day‑to‑day performance. This is a role for someone who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a fast‑paced environment and wants to have a tangible impact on how our Academy operates.
About Watling Academy
Watling Academy is an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school situated on the western edge of Milton Keynes, encompassing the Whitehouse and Fairfields developments. Opening in September 2020, our school is a new and vibrant learning community for students aged 11-18. We are excited to have opened the Watling Academy Sixth Form to our first cohort of Year 12 students from September 2025, which will provide further educational opportunities. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness embody the ‘Watling Way’ and are integral to the way we interact, learn and grow together as a community.
About The Alliance Schools Trust
The Alliance Schools Trust is driven by our mission of Care, Education and Opportunity. We prioritise care by ensuring that no student or staff member ever feels anonymous. Everyone is recognised, valued and supported, creating a strong sense of belonging within our community. Our commitment to education is reflected in our proven track record of academic success, consistently outperforming both Milton Keynes and national averages. We offer opportunity through supportive and dynamic learning environments, where every student can thrive and be well‑prepared for future success in higher education or employment. For staff, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development and progression within our growing network of schools, empowering you to advance your career within a united, forward‑thinking Trust. We are recognised as leaders in raising educational standards both within our Trust and in the schools we support. We are proud to appoint motivated, highly qualified staff who thrive in a culture where collaboration and the spirit of partnership are central to everything we do.
Business Coordinator employer: Watling Academy
Watling Academy is an outstanding secondary school that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, prioritising care and professional development for its staff. As a Business Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Academy's operations while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions and offers opportunities for career advancement within the Alliance Schools Trust. Located in the thriving community of Milton Keynes, this position allows you to make a meaningful impact in education while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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. Understand their mission and think about how your skills as a Business Coordinator can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Business Coordinator role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team at Watling Academy!
Showcase Your Numbers Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial insight, don’t shy away from showcasing your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. We love seeing candidates who can turn complex data into clear insights!
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re looking for someone who can spot inefficiencies and implement improvements. Share examples of how you've successfully streamlined processes or improved systems in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watling Academy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Coordinator, you'll be dealing with financial information regularly. Brush up on your budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've turned complex data into actionable insights in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Academy's Values
Watling Academy values Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. Familiarise yourself with these core values and think about how they align with your own work ethic. Be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these values in your professional life.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires spotting inefficiencies and implementing improvements. Think of specific instances where you've identified a problem and successfully enhanced a process. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to contribute to the Academy's growth.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Academy's future projects, operational challenges, or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
