Office Manager

London South East Academies Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Heron Academy is seeking an experienced, organised and proactive Office Manager to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our school. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, the successful candidate will lead the school office team and oversee key aspects of administration, finance, human resources, facilities management, health and safety and operational compliance.

As a member of the wider leadership team, you will help ensure that effective systems and processes are in place so that

Responsibilities

• Lead the school office team and oversee administration, finance, HR, facilities management, health and safety and operational compliance.

Job description

About Heron Academy

Heron Academy is a specialist school for pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs. We are committed to providing an outstanding education within a calm, nurturing and inclusive environment where every young person is supported to achieve their full potential. Our highly skilled and dedicated staff work collaboratively to deliver a broad and enriching curriculum, helping pupils develop academically, socially and personally. We are proud of the strong partnerships we build with families, recognising that education is a shared responsibility and that working together is key to securing the very best outcomes for our students.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, organised and proactive Office Manager to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our School. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, the successful candidate will lead the school office team and oversee key aspects of administration, finance, human resources, facilities management, health and safety and operational compliance. As a member of the wider leadership team, you will help ensure that effective systems and processes are in place so that staff can focus on delivering exceptional education and support for our pupils. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional who thrives in a varied role and shares our commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of young people with complex needs.

About Us

Welcome to Heron Academy, a SLD/ PMLD with complex needs school, committed to providing outstanding education to young people.

At Heron, we aim to enrich lives, by providing a secure, caring and supportive environment where our pupils are valued, understood, respected and challenged. We strive to deliver a curriculum that promotes lifelong learning and stimulates pupils’ creativity through specialist technology and high-quality learning experiences in school and the community. We believe every pupil has the right to achieve their full potential, and our commitment to a strong partnership with all stakeholders is the key to this success. We welcome you on this journey as we endeavour to provide the best quality education for our pupils.

About the Trust

London South East Academies Trust is a growing and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust, currently comprising mainstream, special and alternative provision academies, alongside an outreach service and a music hub. Our schools are located across Bromley, Bexley, Sussex, Lambeth and Surrey, serving a wide range of communities and educational contexts.

Across the Trust, our schools share a strong commitment to raising attainment, encouraging aspiration and supporting social mobility for every pupil, throughout their educational journey and beyond. We take a holistic but personalised approach to education, recognising that children thrive when their individual strengths, needs and circumstances are properly understood and supported. This enables pupils to flourish and achieve their full potential, whatever their starting point.

We believe that great schools are built by great people. As a Trust, we invest in our staff through strong professional development and leadership opportunities, clear expectations and supportive structures. We actively encourage collaboration and the sharing of best practice across schools, supported by high‑quality, cost‑effective central services that allow leaders and teachers to focus on what matters most: improving outcomes for pupils.

London South East Academies Trust sits within the Elevare Civic Education Group, which also includes a multi‑campus further and higher education college, London South East Colleges and a charitable foundation, Elevare Education Foundation. This unique structure provides meaningful progression pathways for pupils and families, as well as broad development and career opportunities for staff across the wider Group.

Our teams are united by a shared belief in the power of education to change lives. By continuing to grow our Trust and welcoming new expertise and perspectives, we aim to strengthen our schools further and extend the positive impact we have on our communities.

Equal Opportunities

London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we will offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.

If you have accessibility needs or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.

Please note that if a suitable applicant is identified, we may close the advert before the published closing date.

If you have any specific queries about the role, please contact us [e-mail].

As the Trust supports children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self‑disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. The Trust’s DBS policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available on request.

All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.