School Secretary

wycombe preparatory school; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Company pension scheme

Life assurance cover (3x annual salary

Free lunch provided during working hrs

Wellbeing and wellness programme

Refer-a-friend scheme

Job summary

Wycombe Preparatory School in High Wycombe is seeking an organised, proactive School Secretary to join on a full-time maternity cover. The role supports the smooth running of the school office and provides a professional service to pupils, parents, staff and visitors.

You will manage confidential admin, diaries, minutes, reception, HR/finance tasks and safeguarding reporting. The successful candidate will have prior school secretarial experience, excellent IT skills and a discreet, approachable

Qualifications

• Previous Office Manager or School Secretary experience.
• Experience in a school/independent education setting is advantageous.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general IT skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage diaries, correspondence, records, minute taking and organise meetings and events.
• Provide reception cover as part of the Administration Team.
• Handle HR and Finance Administration tasks.
• Maintain pupil files, SCR and confidential personnel records.
• Maintain high confidentiality with tact and professionalism.
• Assist safeguarding by reporting concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Team.

Skills

Organisation

Communication

IT skills

Attention to detail

Safeguarding awareness

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for an organised, proactive and personable School Secretary to join the team at Wycombe Preparatory School on a full-time maternity cover contract.

This is a key role at the heart of our school, ensuring the smooth running of the school office and providing a professional and welcoming service to pupils, parents, staff, visitors and prospective families.

About Wycombe Preparatory School

Wycombe Preparatory School is a thriving co-educational independent school for children aged 3 to 11 years, situated in the heart of High Wycombe. We are proud of our warm, family-oriented atmosphere, outstanding pastoral care and commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every child.

At Wycombe Prep, our small class sizes enable teachers to know every pupil as an individual, providing personalised support and challenge that allows children to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. We believe that learning should be engaging, inspiring and enjoyable, encouraging pupils to develop curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to create a nurturing environment where both pupils and colleagues are supported to achieve their very best.

Contract type:Full-time, Maternity Cover based in High Wycombe

Working pattern:Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Salary:Dependent on experience

Start Date:Oct 2026 or Sooner

About the Position

We are looking for someone to be responsible for confidential secretarial, administration and clerical duties relating to all aspects of the office in an educational setting. This includes management of diaries, correspondence, record keeping, minute taking and organising meetings and school events. You will be responsible for:

• Working as part of the Administration Team and provide Reception cover
• Ensuring that staff, parents, pupils, visitors and third parties receive a personal and professional service
• Aspects of HR & Finance Administration
• Management of pupil files, SCR, email correspondence and any administrative filing, including confidential personnel files
• Maintaining a high degree of confidentiality and respond positively with tact, sensitivity and awareness to pupils and parents in relation to duties undertaken
• Part of this role will involve safeguarding responsibilities including the reporting of any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Team

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous Office Manager, School Secretary, Senior Administrator or similar experience.
• School or independent education experience would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent Microsoft Office and general IT skills.
• A professional, approachable and discreet manner.
• An understanding of safeguarding within an educational environment.

Why Choose Wycombe Preparatory School?

At Wycombe Preparatory School, we are committed to creating an environment where both pupils and staff thrive. In addition to joining a welcoming and supportive community, you will benefit from:

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Company pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Life assurance cover (3x annual salary).
• Free lunch provided during working hours.
• Excellent pastoral support and mentoring.
• Refer-a-friend scheme with financial reward.
• Wellbeing and wellness programme.

If you are an experienced administrator who enjoys being at the centre of a busy organisation and would like to join a warm and welcoming school community, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Wycombe Preparatory School!

Wycombe Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, costs are covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.