Office Manager ​/ Lead Receptionist

To lead the school office and ensure that administrative services are organised responsive compliant and welcoming The Office Manager coordinates people systems information and day-to-day workflows so that leaders staff pupils and families receive reliable support and the school operates smoothly The post holder also acts as Lead Receptionist personally setting and upholding front-desk standards and providing senior cover at reception

Lead, allocate and review the work of reception and administrative staff, setting clear priorities and service expectations. Establish efficient office procedures, shared calendars, filing systems, communication protocols and cover arrangements. Provide coaching, induction and day-to-day support to administrative colleagues, addressing performance or workload issues promptly. Promote a calm, professional and solutions-focused front-office culture.

Act as Lead Receptionist, personally covering the front desk when required and setting the standard for visitor welcome, telephone manner and enquiry handling. Ensure visitor identification, signing-in, badge, escort and access procedures are applied consistently and that safeguarding or security concerns are escalated immediately. Oversee accurate recording of late arrivals, early departures and authorised pupil collections, ensuring identity and collection arrangements are verified before a pupil is released.

Manage reception rotas, cover and handover so that the front desk is staffed and responsive throughout school operating hours. Ensure reception inboxes, calls and messages are monitored, logged and routed promptly, and that the School Nurse or designated first-aider is contacted without delay when medical attention is required.

Provide high-quality administrative support to the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, including correspondence, meeting coordination, reports and briefing materials. Manage key school calendars, deadlines and administrative action logs to ensure timely follow-through. Coordinate official correspondence and ensure documents are accurate, appropriately approved and securely retained. Support whole-school planning, inspections, accreditation activity and major school initiatives.

Coordinate administrative arrangements for events, parent meetings, school trips, examinations, training and visitors. Act as an operational link between academic, admissions, HR, finance, facilities, transport and support departments. Oversee office supplies, routine procurement, vendor communication and administrative inventories within approved controls. Maintain clear escalation routes for urgent operational, safeguarding, health and facilities matters.

Ensure administrative records, forms, templates and shared drives are accurate, current and consistently maintained. Support preparation for BSO, COBIS, Ministry and other external reviews by coordinating evidence and administrative documentation. Apply school policies for confidentiality, records retention, data protection and secure information handling. Review office processes regularly and implement practical improvements that reduce delay, duplication and error.

Ensure parent, visitor and staff enquiries are acknowledged and routed efficiently, with agreed response standards monitored. Handle sensitive or complex concerns professionally and

The role is based on-site during the school working week and may require support outside normal hours for major events, inspections or urgent operational matters. The post holder must be visible and accessible to staff and families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. The post requires a visible front-of-house presence during school operating hours, including direct reception cover at peak times or during staff absence.