Admin Officer at Wyvern Academy

Dorset Council; Hightown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Hightown is seeking an Admin Officer to enhance the school's administrative functions. You will be the welcoming face at reception, take charge of meeting arrangements, and maintain essential pupil records. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and IT skills, be well-organized, and contribute positively to the school’s ethos of supporting young people. This role offers professional development and a chance to make a significant impact in education.

Benefits

Comprehensive support and training

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience in administrative or receptionist roles.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and maintain school security.
• Provide administrative support like minute-taking and correspondence.
• Maintain records and manage office supplies.

Skills

Administrative support

Communication skills

Time management

IT skills (Word, Excel)

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths

Tools

Management Information Systems

ARBOR

Job description

Ever felt the satisfaction of keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, knowing your work makes a real difference to everyone around you? At Wyvern Academy, our Admin Officer is exactly that - the heartbeat of the school, the wizard behind the curtain, and occasionally the calm voice in the eye of the storm. Every day here is a new adventure. You won't just be completing paperwork - you'll be the welcoming face at reception, the organiser of meetings and school records, and the reliable presence that keeps the school running like clockwork (and sometimes like magic). If you love helping others, keeping things organised, and sprinkling a little calm over chaos, this is the role made for you.

What you’ll be doing:

• Greet visitors with a smile and keep the school secure – cape optional!
• Provide efficient, confidential administrative and secretarial support, including arranging meetings, taking minutes, and handling correspondence.
• Maintain pupil records, attendance registers, and support pupil admissions and exclusion processes.
• Keep the office systems, stationery, and supplies in tip‑top shape – no disappearing pens on your watch.
• Support the Senior Management Team with reports, agendas, and correspondence – think of yourself as their organisational sidekick.
• Assist with staff cover, building maintenance arrangements, and anything else that keeps the school humming.
• Develop and improve administrative systems, keeping manuals and guidance up to date (because even superheroes need instructions sometimes).
• Experienced in administrative or receptionist roles, confident juggling multiple tasks without breaking a sweat (or the printer).
• Skilled in IT, including Word, Excel, and Management Information Systems (experience with ARBOR is a bonus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• A positive, professional, and flexible team player who can stay calm under pressure and maintain confidentiality – and maybe even smile when the photocopier jams.
• Willingness to undertake training and support the welfare and development of all pupils.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths; school environment experience or PA experience is desirable.
• At Wyvern Academy, part of the Southern Education Trust, we’re passionate about “making lives better” by creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine.

We specialise in supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 years with learning difficulties, including autism, physical and sensory disabilities, and healthcare needs. At Wyvern Academy, your work won’t just keep the school ticking – it will directly support our pupils and staff to flourish every single day. If you’re organised, dependable, and ready to make a difference (and maybe laugh at a few minor office disasters along the way), we would love to hear from you.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your “name, education and employment”, to demonstrate due diligence following “Keeping Children Safe in Education” guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Why join us?

• The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
• Comprehensive support, induction and training package.
• We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
• Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once.
• You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
• A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same, and every day makes a difference.
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.