Office Manager – Independent Primary School – Bristol

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £35,000–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience

School Information

An excellent opportunity has become available for an experienced Office Manager to join a successful Independent Primary School in Bristol.

The school provides a positive and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to develop academically, socially and personally. It has a strong focus on high standards, pupil wellbeing and creating a welcoming school community.

The school office is central to the daily operation of the school, supporting staff, pupils, parents and visitors. The successful Office Manager will therefore play an important role in ensuring administrative systems are organised, communication is effective and the school operates efficiently.

The school is seeking an experienced professional who can take ownership of the office function while working closely with the Headteacher, senior leadership team and wider staff.

The Role

As Office Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the school office and provide effective administrative support across the school.

You will be responsible for coordinating administrative processes, managing enquiries, supporting staff and ensuring important information is communicated accurately.

The successful candidate will need to be confident managing a busy workload and comfortable taking responsibility for resolving administrative issues.

You will be expected to establish strong working relationships with parents, pupils, staff and external contacts.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the school office.

• Acting as a professional first point of contact for parents and visitors.

• Managing telephone and email enquiries.

• Coordinating administrative tasks across the school.

• Maintaining accurate student and staff records.

• Managing school correspondence.

• Supporting senior leaders with administrative requirements.

• Maintaining electronic and paper filing systems.

• Preparing reports, letters and school documentation.

• Supporting admissions and new pupil administration.

• Assisting with attendance administration.

• Coordinating school events and administrative arrangements.

• Supporting school trips and activities.

• Managing office supplies and stationery.

• Liaising with suppliers and external organisations.

• Supporting the administration of meetings.

• Maintaining confidentiality regarding pupils, families and staff.

• Ensuring office procedures are followed consistently.

• Supporting other administrative staff and allocating tasks where appropriate.

• Identifying improvements to administrative systems and processes.

Managing the School Office

The Office Manager will be responsible for ensuring the office remains organised and efficient throughout the school day.

This requires strong prioritisation skills, as urgent requests can arise while longer-term administrative tasks still need to be completed.

The successful candidate will need to remain calm and professional under pressure and ensure that important tasks are not overlooked.

You will also be expected to maintain clear systems so that colleagues can access relevant information efficiently.

Communication

A significant part of the role involves communication.

You will communicate regularly with parents and carers, teaching staff, senior leaders, pupils, suppliers and visitors.

The successful candidate must therefore have excellent verbal and written communication skills and understand the importance of providing a professional service.

You will need to handle enquiries appropriately, determine when issues should be escalated and ensure messages are passed to the correct member of staff.

Working With Senior Leadership

The Office Manager will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team.

You may support meetings, prepare documents, manage correspondence and assist with administrative projects.

The school is looking for someone who can work proactively rather than simply waiting for instructions.

You should be able to identify what needs to be done, organise your workload and keep senior colleagues informed of important developments.

Requirements

• Previous experience working in an administrative or office management position.

• School or education administration experience is highly desirable.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Experience maintaining databases and records.

• Ability to manage confidential information.

• Experience coordinating administrative processes.

• Ability to prioritise a varied workload.

• Professional and approachable manner.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable and proactive approach.

• Commitment to providing a high standard of administrative support.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be approachable, organised and confident.

You should enjoy working with people and be comfortable in a busy school environment where priorities can change quickly.

The school requires somebody who takes ownership of their responsibilities, maintains high standards and understands the importance of an efficient and welcoming school office.

Why Join the School?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established Independent Primary School in Bristol and take responsibility for a key operational function within the school.

The successful candidate will work within a professional and supportive environment and become an important point of contact for the wider school community.

Application

To apply for the Office Manager position, please send your CV as soon as possible. The school is keen to meet suitable candidates and interviews will be arranged promptly.