About Company
Aldridge School is a thriving, inclusive secondary school located in the heart of Walsall, dedicated to fostering an exceptional learning environment for our students and a supportive community for our staff. With a rich history of academic excellence and a forward-thinking approach to education, we pride ourselves on nurturing potential and inspiring achievement in every individual. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, embracing a wide array of extracurricular activities and community engagement, ensuring a holistic development experience. We believe that a strong administrative foundation is key to our success, enabling our educators to focus on what they do best: teaching. Joining Aldridge School means becoming part of a passionate team united by a shared vision to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
Job Description
Aldridge School is seeking a dedicated and highly organised Administrative Secretary to join our bustling school office team. This pivotal full-time role is essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of the school, acting as the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and students, while providing comprehensive administrative support to senior leadership and teaching staff. The successful candidate will be the welcoming face and voice of our school, managing a diverse range of responsibilities that include communication, data management, scheduling, and general office administration. You will play a crucial part in maintaining a positive and orderly school environment, contributing significantly to the overall welfare and educational experience of our students.
This position requires exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, as you will be liaising with various stakeholders, handling sensitive information with discretion, and representing the school professionally at all times. The ideal candidate will possess a proactive approach, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a meticulous eye for detail. You must be adept at multitasking, capable of prioritising effectively in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable with modern office technology and software. A genuine passion for supporting an educational setting and contributing to a dynamic team is highly valued. We are looking for someone who can not only manage administrative tasks efficiently but also contribute positively to our school’s vibrant culture, bringing enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit to our team. Your contributions will directly impact the operational efficiency of the school and the satisfaction of our school community, making this a truly rewarding role for the right individual.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the main school reception area, welcoming visitors, parents, and students with professionalism and courtesy.
- Handle incoming and outgoing communications, including phone calls, emails, and postal mail, directing enquiries appropriately.
- Maintain and update student records, staff records, and other administrative databases with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of school correspondence, newsletters, reports, and other documents.
- Manage school diaries, appointments, and meeting schedules for senior staff, ensuring timely organisation.
- Coordinate and support school events, parent evenings, and extracurricular activities as required.
- Process school admissions and leavers’ paperwork, ensuring compliance with school policies and procedures.
- Administer first aid to students as necessary (training will be provided if not already held).
- Order and maintain office supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels are always available.
- Handle financial transactions such as school trip payments and dinner money, maintaining accurate records.
- Support the Headteacher and other leadership team members with various administrative tasks and projects.
- Ensure the school office operates efficiently, maintaining a tidy and organised workspace.
Required Skills
- Proven administrative experience, preferably within a school or educational setting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Strong organisational and time management abilities, with attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- A professional, approachable, and confidential manner.
- Ability to multitask and prioritise in a busy environment.
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
Preferred Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Business Administration or equivalent qualification.
- Experience with school management information systems (e.g., SIMS).
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous pension scheme.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Free on-site parking.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
- Term-time working (plus INSET days for full-time staff).
How to Apply
If you are an organised, proactive, and compassionate individual looking to make a significant contribution to a vibrant school community, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your application directly. We look forward to receiving your application!