Office Manager

The Propeller Academy Trust; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Office Manager for a new SEMH secondary school. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the administrative framework of the school while supporting the headteacher. The ideal candidate will possess a strong administration background, excellent numeracy and communication skills, and a passion for working with young people with special educational needs. The position promises a rewarding experience in a supportive environment, with competitive pay and a variety of benefits. If you are proactive and dynamic, this is the perfect chance to make a significant impact in the educational sector.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Refer a friend bonus

Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Free occupational health support

Free eye test for DSE users

Free flu vaccinations

Wellbeing days

Free tea and coffee

Full training and ongoing support

Qualifications

• Strong administration background with excellent customer service skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and cash handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage school systems and support the headteacher in developing the team.
• Line manage others and ensure effective communication.

Skills

Administration

Customer Service

Microsoft Office Suite

Numeracy Skills

Communication Skills

Education

GCSE in English

GCSE in Maths

NVQ 2/3 in Administration

NVQ3 in Business Administration

Job description

We develop our pupils to have the skills to thrive in society

Office Manager

Ref: SCH-TPAT-0034 14 day(s) remaining Establishment: Hawthorn Academy Location: RG40 3BT Salary: 34164.49 - 36450.74 Department: Trust Central Team Job Type: Full Time Closing Date: 07/03/2025 09:00 Interview Date: TBC upon receipt of application/s Start Date: April 2025
Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: TTO Plus - Term time only plus weeks Hours per Week: 37.00 Weeks per Year: 0.000 Pay Grade: Support Staff | SCP27 - SCP30

About us

Hawthorn Academy is a new SEMH secondary school based in Bracknell Forest due to open in September 2025, providing specialist education for children aged 11 — 16 years with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), including children with ASD. The school will open with 10 places, growing to 50. The school will be sited at the College Hall campus in year 1, moving to a purpose-built school during year 2.

The school is part of The Propeller Academy Trust, a special school MAT comprising currently of 3 schools based in South Oxfordshire: Fitzwaryn, Kingfisher and Bishopswood. The Trust is due to welcome Woodeaton Manor School (an SEMH provision in Oxford) in June ’25 following an academisation order, and Forest View School in Bracknell (estimated opening Sept ’27) following a successful bid in wave 3.

The Trust has a successful outreach programme and supports over 70 local mainstream schools with outstanding feedback and outcomes.

Propeller is proud of its educational performance. Its curriculum is personalised and focuses on the destinations and long-term aspirations of its pupils and their families, linking directly with their communities including pupils moving directly into employment.

Main purpose

We are looking for an experienced, proactive, and dynamic Office Manager to take up this demanding and rewarding post within our new school. Arriving at a very exciting time, you will have the opportunity to support the headteacher to develop and shape the team and environment.

The Office Manager has a key role in the effective management of school systems, and you must have a strong administration background, good customer service skills, be able to line manage others and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. You will also need to have excellent numeracy skills as this role will involve cash handling and be an excellent communicator with a professional manner with an empathy for young people with special educational needs.

What we can offer you

• Competitive pay
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with enhanced benefits for members i.e., life insurance
• Refer a friend bonus (up to £500)
• Maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave entitlement
• Free occupational health support
• Free eye test for DSE users
• Free flu vaccinations
• Wellbeing days (3 per year, pro rata for part time staff)
• Free tea and coffee
• A welcoming and supportive school with a friendly team of staff and governors
• Full training and ongoing support

How to Apply

For further details of the post and how to apply please visit here. If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Clare Offill at [e-mail].

Please note that CV’s will NOT be accepted.

Please note if you have not received communication from the school inviting you for an interview within ten working days of the closing date of the post, you can assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. We thank you for your interest in the school and encourage you to apply for suitable vacancies in the future.

Qualifications

• Good qualifications in both English and Maths GCSE's Essential
• NVQ 2/3 qualification in Administration
• NVQ3 in Business Administration or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (or working towards) Desirable

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment.

Where the role for which you are applying involves engaging in regulated activity, it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

A copy of the Propeller Academy Trust’s Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy can be accessed via each member schools website.

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