Business Support Administrator; Term Time

Overview

The Business Support Administrator plays an important role in supporting the smooth and effective day‑to‑day running of the school through the delivery of high‑quality administrative, organisational and front‑of‑house support. The role includes reception duties, communications, record keeping, photocopying, event coordination and operational processes. The postholder will help ensure that school processes are well coordinated, efficient and professionally managed while maintaining confidentiality and providing a welcoming and responsive service to pupils, parents, staff and visitors.

• Provide general administrative support for Deputy Heads and Core SLT, including diary management, data entry, filing, photocopying and document preparation.
• Process orders in accordance with GDST guidance and manage purchasing requests.
• Monitor and respond to emails, ensuring timely communication and forwarding to relevant staff.
• Organise and track forms and documentation from parents, handle incoming and outgoing post, and maintain office supplies.
• Welcome visitors, parents and pupils, manage visitor sign‑in procedures and ensure safeguarding and health and safety protocols are followed.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintain a tidy and organised reception area.
• When delegated, organise school events, meetings, transport and trips, including room bookings, refreshments and equipment set‑up.
• Support risk assessments and communication with external providers where required.
• Assist with the induction of new pupils and provide pupil supervision during break times or transitions if needed.
• Provide administrative support to teaching and support staff, especially HR tasks.
• Assist in classrooms or accompany pupils on off‑site visits under staff supervision, if required.
• Maintain the attendance register and act as a first point of contact for attendance‑related queries, handling concerns sensitively and escalating where appropriate.
• Provide first‑line pastoral support to pupils, liaising with relevant staff to ensure appropriate communication and follow‑up.
• Administer pastoral records and communications, ensuring information is handled sensitively, accurately and in line with data protection requirements.
• Assist with the care of pupils who are unwell or distressed, including administering first aid if qualified, and maintain medical records.
• Support internal and external communications, including newsletters, notices and promotional materials.
• Ensure all administrative processes comply with school policies and procedures, including safeguarding, data protection, confidentiality, health and safety, and information security.

• Work with the Trust Office and colleagues across schools to support consistent administrative practice and share effective ways of working.
• Provide flexible support across the wider Business Support function as needed, in line with the level and nature of the role.
• Supervise the School reception, which operates between 7.30am and 6pm, ensuring day‑cover by various 8‑hour shifts.

• Put the safety and wellbeing of pupils at the heart of everything they do.
• Work in line with GDST and school policies and procedures at all times.
• Demonstrate professionalism in conduct, attendance and relationships with colleagues and external contacts.
• Take responsibility for their own professional development, including engagement with training, learning and performance review.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and solutions‑focused working environment.
• Engage with the wider school community in a way that supports inclusion, collaboration and shared purpose.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

The Girls' Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.