Administration Assistant

Cottenham Village College; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Cottenham Village College is seeking an Administration Assistant to join our operations team. The role covers reception, communications, finance, recruitment, student services and events, providing essential support across the school.

The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and capable of handling confidential information with discretion. The position is permanent, full-time, term-time only, with a competitive package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced administrative environment.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confident using IT systems including Microsoft Office and databases.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Professional communication and relationship-building with staff, students, parents and visitors.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people.
• Flexible, proactive and willing to support wider needs of the school.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality administrative support to departments across the college.
• Assist with reception duties and respond to enquiries from students, families, visitors and external partners.
• Support financial administration, including processing orders and handling income in line with Trust procedures.
• Coordinate communications with parents and carers via various platforms.
• Organise school trips, educational visits, parents' evenings and other events.
• Support recruitment and onboarding activities for new staff.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the effective use of school information systems.
• Provide administrative support to senior leaders as required.
• Assist in managing/updating the school's communication channels and social media.
• Support health and safety processes, including evacuation procedures and fire drills.
• Ensure confidential information is handled in line with GDPR.

Skills

Reception duties

Microsoft Office

Data protection

Communication skills

Organisation

Customer service

IT systems

Tools

Database systems

Job description

Administration Assistant - Cottenham Village College

Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 28 October 2026

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a high-performing and inclusive secondary school serving its local community with ambition and purpose. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, the college is committed to high expectations, strong pastoral support, and an education that empowers every student to succeed. Staff benefit from a collaborative culture, excellent professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people every day.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and professional Administration Assistant to join our dedicated operations team. This varied role is central to the smooth running of the college, providing administrative support across a range of functions including reception, communications, finance, recruitment, student services, and school events. The successful candidate will be a key point of contact for staff, students, parents, and visitors, ensuring a welcoming and efficient service across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality administrative support to departments across the college.
• Assist with reception duties, responding to enquiries from students, families, visitors, and external partners.
• Support financial administration, including processing orders and handling income in line with Trust procedures.
• Coordinate communications with parents and carers through a variety of platforms.
• Assist with the organisation of school trips, educational visits, parents' evenings, and other events.
• Support recruitment and onboarding activities for new members of staff.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the effective use of school information systems.
• Provide administrative support to senior leaders as required.
• Assist in managing and updating the school's communication channels and social media presence.
• Support health and safety processes, including school evacuation procedures and fire drills.
• Ensure confidential information is handled appropriately and in accordance with GDPR requirements.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an individual who:

• Has experience working in a fast-paced administrative environment.
• Demonstrates excellent organisational skills and can effectively manage competing priorities.
• Is confident using a range of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• Has strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Communicates professionally and builds positive relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and visitors.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and data protection.
• Shares a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Is flexible, proactive, and willing to support the wider needs of the school.
• Has a genuine passion for education and helping young people achieve their potential.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.