Senior Administrator to the Principal

Scottish Council of Independent Schools; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Edinburgh seeks a Senior Administrator to support the Principal’s Office. This full-time role requires exceptional organisational skills to manage administrative tasks and facilitate effective communication. Join a vibrant educational environment that values kindness, resilience, and innovation.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Enhanced sick pay

Access to swimming pool and fitness room

Membership to Discount and Benefits Scheme

Qualifications

• Highly organised and professional individual required for the role.
• Experience in administrative tasks and the ability to handle sensitive information.
• Must maintain high accuracy standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Principal’s calendar and coordinate meetings.
• Provide high-quality administrative and organisational support.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination across the Schools.

Skills

Organisation

Professionalism

Communication

Job description

Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools are recruiting for a Senior Administrator to join the Principal’s Office on a full-time, permanent basis. This term-time role (plus two weeks during the summer holidays in August) is available from August 2025, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. The postholder will work 38.75 hours per week, with a pro rata salary of £31,816 per annum. The role is based across both the Queensferry Road and Ravelston sites.

We are seeking a highly organised and professional Senior Administrator to support the Principal and the Executive Assistant in the smooth and efficient running of the Principal’s Office. This role provides high-quality administrative and organisational support, acting as a central point of contact and ensuring effective communication and coordination across the Schools.

The Senior Administrator will manage the Principal’s calendar, coordinate meetings and travel, prepare documentation, and handle correspondence. The role also involves supporting key projects and events, maintaining office systems, and ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for visitors. Handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, alongside maintaining a high standard of accuracy in all administrative tasks, is essential.

To learn more about this role, please access the job description provided.

Eligibility	ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate must demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits	Staff are offered a range of benefits including: a generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies, access to the Schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, and membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, offering discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
Values	We seek individuals who embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity, while role modeling behaviors aligned with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.

ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland.

All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore, all posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. Interviews are expected to be held on Monday, 23 June 2025.

About ESMS

Welcome to ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools for ages 3-18 in Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. Our holistic approach emphasizes opportunities outside the classroom, including over 300 clubs, sports, music, drama, outdoor education, trips, and community involvement, to help students discover talents, learn, have fun, and build friendships.

Our Vision

To empower learners through innovative approaches and transformative experiences, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. We aim to inspire students to dream big, set ambitious goals, and excel in all pursuits.

Our Mission

To develop resilient, accomplished, and values-driven students equipped to lead fulfilling lives and positively impact the world.

Aims

• Offer outstanding, well-rounded education to a diverse student body
• Build strong relationships to ensure children feel happy, safe, and supported
• Provide a wide range of extracurricular activities to develop talents
• Inspire academic excellence and high achievement
• Encourage children to embrace challenges and develop confidence
• Inspire teachers to foster a love of learning and innovation
• Help children develop good character and decision-making skills