School Administrator

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oaks Secondary School is seeking a capable School Administrator to join our team in Spennymoor. The role focuses on coordinating SEN Annual Reviews, diary management, minute-taking, and providing high-quality administrative support to the Headteacher and SLT.

Applicants should have at least NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration, strong literacy and numeracy, and proven clerical experience. Safeguarding and confidentiality are essential to this post.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent.
• Strong literacy and numeracy.
• Experience in clerical and administrative work.
• Ability to handle enquiries with clear communication.
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate SEN Annual Review processes, including arranging meetings and preparing documentation.
• Maintain accurate records and liaise with staff, parents and external agencies.
• Provide diary management and minute-taking support to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as front‑of‑house representative and handle visitors and enquiries with a professional approach.
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the welfare of children.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Diary management

Front-of-house

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration

Job description

Required to start as soon as possible.

The Oaks Secondary School is a generic special school for pupils aged 11 to 19 with moderate, severe, or profound learning difficulties and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four consecutive inspections, reflecting the high quality of care, education, and support we provide to our pupils.

The Board of Governors at The Oaks Secondary School are seeking to appoint a School Administrator to join our team.

Applicants must hold a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration (or equivalent), together with a good standard of literacy and numeracy. The successful candidate will have experience of general clerical and administrative work, be confident in dealing with enquiries, and demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills.

The role involves providing high-quality administrative and secretarial support to ensure the smooth running of the school. A key aspect of the post will be coordinating Special Educational Needs (SEN) Annual Review processes, including arranging meetings, preparing documentation, maintaining accurate records, and liaising with staff, parents, and external agencies. Applicants should therefore have a good understanding of the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process and the statutory requirements associated with annual reviews.

You will also support the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team through diary management, meeting organisation, minute-taking, and correspondence. As a front‑of‑house representative, you will act as a first point of contact for visitors and enquiries, providing a professional and welcoming service while adhering to safeguarding procedures.

We are looking for someone who is professional, organised, and approachable, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, maintain confidentiality at all times, and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

The Oaks Secondary School is maintained by Durham County Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited to interview if they meet the essential job criteria.

The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:

38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:

38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Closing date: Friday 9th October 2026 at 12 noon.

Interview date: TBC

The Oaks Secondary School

Rock Road

Spennymoor

Co Durham

DL16 7DB

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.theoaksschool.co.uk

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