Network Assistant - Compass School

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Southampton is seeking a dedicated Network Assistant to support their IT systems and contribute to the well-being of vulnerable pupils. The role involves ensuring hardware and software are maintained, providing technical support, and assisting in maintaining a safe environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in IT, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping young people thrive. Join their values-driven team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to make a real difference

Qualifications

• Experience working within maintenance or IT industry.
• Strong understanding of troubleshooting common IT problems.
• Excellent communication skills to influence and inspire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support school IT systems.
• Provide technical support to teachers and pupils.
• Monitor IT equipment and ensure antivirus is up to date.

Skills

Experience in maintenance or IT

Troubleshooting common IT problems

Excellent communication skills

Commitment to Health and Safety

Team player

Job description

At Compass School, we are a specialist Alternative Provision dedicated to supporting pupils who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or are unable to access mainstream education. Our pupils often face complex challenges that affect their learning and wellbeing. That's why we place positive relationships, trauma‑informed practice, and relational approaches at the core of everything we do. We are committed to helping every young person overcome barriers, feel valued, and achieve success.

Purpose of the Role

As Network Assistant, you will take a key role in supporting the school's IT systems to support learning across the school. You will also undertake other duties to support the site and maintenance of the school, which will include keyholder responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that all hardware and software is properly maintained and fit for purpose, including servers, networks and all peripheral equipment.
• To carry out regular monitoring and auditing of IT equipment, ensuring that anti‑virus software is up to date and advising senior management of any breaches of security or other issues.
• To provide front‑line technical support to teachers and pupils as required, including assistance with passwords, network and internet access, email accounts, etc.
• To maintain a log of hardware and software problems detected, to resolve problems within the competence/ability level of the post holder, and to arrange for technical support through the appropriate "Helpdesk" where problems cannot be resolved on site.
• To acquire a working knowledge of the programs used across all year groups in order to provide assistance, set up systems and assist the teaching staff with demonstrating applications/packages as required. This may involve working with groups of students on specific IT tasks.
• To maintain an up‑to‑date inventory of IT hardware, software and licences and warranties and to ensure that all software used is in line with licence agreements and that contracts and agreements are updated as necessary.
• To take a leading role in the purchase of new IT equipment, including:
• keeping up to date with the latest technologies, relevant to the school.
• making recommendations for suitable purchases, taking into account users' requirements.
• commissioning and installing (or overseeing the installation of) new equipment.
• ensuring that any required user training is carried out.
• To ensure that resources and equipment are in good repair and maintained to current Health and Safety standards and to liaise with external suppliers and maintenance providers as necessary.
• To undertake other duties to support the site and maintenance of the school which will include keyholder responsibilities.

Who We Are Looking For

• We are seeking a passionate, proactive and compassionate person who:
• Has experience working within maintenance or IT industry.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of how to troubleshoot common IT problems.
• Has excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire pupils and staff alike.
• Has a clear commitment to Health and Safety and managing risks.
• Is a team player who can work collaboratively with staff, pupils, families, and external partners.

Why Join Compass School?

• Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pupils.
• Be part of a highly supportive and values‑driven team.
• Benefit from ongoing professional development.
• Help to shape a truly inclusive, aspirational school culture.
• Work in an environment where relationships and wellbeing are at the heart of success.
• If you are passionate about helping young people thrive and want to lead meaningful change in a nurturing school community, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of our journey at Compass School.

Any enquiries, please contact Maria Hughes on 02380 215320 or via email.