School Office Manager

Totalwellnessacupuncture; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Education is recruiting a School Office Manager for a London school. The role is a full-time, permanent position with a October 2026 or January 2027 start.

You will lead the busy administrative function and manage the office/reception team, working closely with SLT to ensure smooth operations and excellent service to pupils, parents and staff. The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, exceptionally organised and confident leading others, with responsibility across administration,

Qualifications

• Experience as School Office Manager or senior administrator in a school setting.
• Ability to lead busy administrative functions with accuracy and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school's administration and reception team.
• Manage day-to-day office operations and deadlines.
• Support admissions and pupil onboarding processes.
• Maintain accurate pupil records and communications.
• Oversee attendance processes and school census activity.
• Coordinate meetings and school events.
• Support recruitment and HR administration.
• Handle confidential documentation and staffing records.

Skills

People management

Administration

Reception leadership

Communication

Organisation

Tools

SIMS

Arbor

Bromcom

Job description

School Office Manager – London

The Person Who Keeps the School Running When Everyone Else Is Busy Teaching.

October 2026 or January 2027 Start | Full-Time | Permanent | £35,000–£45,000 DOE

Are you an experienced School Office Manager or senior school administrator who knows how to keep a busy school organised, professional and one step ahead?

Can you manage people, parents, systems, deadlines and the unexpected – often all before lunchtime?

Perhaps you're ready for a position where you're trusted with real responsibility and recognised as a key part of the school's operational leadership team?

KPI Education is working with an ambitious and successful London school to appoint an exceptional School Office Manager for an October 2026 or January 2027 start.

The school's identity is being kept confidential during the initial stages – but if you're an experienced school administrator looking for a bigger opportunity, this is one you'll want to hear more about.

School Office Manager – The Headlines

• School Office Manager
• London
• £35,000–£45,000, dependent on experience
• Permanent, full-time position
• October 2026 or January 2027 start
• Lead the school's busy administrative function
• Manage and develop the office/reception team
• Work closely with the Headteacher and School Business Manager
• Responsibility across administration, admissions and communications
• Oversee key school systems and processes
• Varied role with genuine responsibility
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Confidential conversations welcomed

You’re Not Just Managing an Office – You’re at the Centre of the School

When a parent calls, a pupil needs support, SLT needs information immediately and three other priorities land on your desk simultaneously, you're the person who makes sure everything gets done.

The school is looking for an Office Manager who is calm under pressure, exceptionally organised and confident leading others.

You'll take ownership of the school's administrative operation while ensuring pupils, parents, staff and visitors receive a professional and welcoming service.

What Will You Take Ownership Of?

Your responsibilities could include:

• Leading the school's administration and reception team
• Managing day-to-day office operations
• Supporting admissions and pupil onboarding
• Maintaining accurate pupil records
• Managing correspondence and communications
• Supporting attendance processes
• Coordinating meetings and school events
• Managing diaries and senior leadership administration
• Supporting recruitment and HR administration
• Managing confidential documentation
• Monitoring administrative deadlines
• Supporting statutory returns and school census activity
• Liaising with parents, Local Authorities and external organisations
• Developing more efficient administrative processes
• Ensuring the school office remains professional and responsive

Who Are We Looking For?

KPI Education would particularly like to hear from experienced:

School Office Managers | Senior School Administrators | School Secretaries | Administration Managers | PA/EA Professionals | Admissions Officers

Previous experience within a school, academy, college or Multi-Academy Trust would be highly advantageous.

Experience using school systems such as SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom or similar MIS platforms would also be beneficial.

You'll need excellent communication and organisational skills alongside the confidence to manage staff, prioritise competing demands and deal professionally with sensitive situations.

Why Is This Opportunity Different?

Because the school understands that an exceptional Office Manager is far more than an administrator.

You'll work closely with senior leadership and have the freedom to improve processes, develop the administrative team and shape how the school's operational function works.

The Headteacher wants someone who can identify an issue and bring a solution – not simply wait for instructions.

For an ambitious school professional, there could also be opportunities to progress towards School Business Management, Operations Management or wider Trust-level positions.

Is It Time for Your Next Move?

You might not be actively job hunting.

But if you've become the person everyone relies on in your current school and you're wondering whether your responsibility, experience and ability deserve a bigger opportunity, this could be worth exploring.

Applications are welcomed from candidates available for October 2026 or January 2027.

Every successful school has someone behind the scenes holding everything together. Could that person be you?