This is an important role providing comprehensive administrative, organisational and personal support to senior leaders so that they can work effectively and maintain focus on school priorities. The postholder will support the smooth running of the leadership team through effective diary management, communication, documentation, meeting coordination and support for whole-school initiatives.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

Key responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• Provide high-quality administrative and personal support to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage leadership diaries, meetings, visits, communication, correspondence and delegated actions with professionalism and discretion.
• Prepare, compile and coordinate reports, meeting documentation, minutes and action tracking to support timely decision-making.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, including preparatory materials and follow-up actions.
• Act as a key point of contact for enquiries directed to the Senior Leadership Team, including enquiries involving students, parents and carers, and external agencies.
• Manage confidential information, correspondence and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Support the complaints process and assist with Subject Access Request administration.
• Coordinate policy, Handbook Hub, website, marketing, database, filing, expenses, travel, accommodation and event administration.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, students, parents and carers, external agencies, suppliers and Trust stakeholders.
• Support school and Trust priorities through accurate administration, effective communication and a responsive approach to delegated work.

 The ideal candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong administrative, organisational and communication skills.
• Can manage competing priorities, deadlines and detailed information accurately.
• Works with a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
• Can anticipate needs, think critically and offer practical solutions.
• Is confident liaising with senior leaders, colleagues, students, parents and carers, external agencies and suppliers.
• Can prepare documentation, coordinate meetings and track actions effectively.
• Is able to work independently when appropriate while contributing positively to a wider team.
• Shares the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Maiden Erlegh School (MES)

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11–18, located in Lower Earley, near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive, and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious.

Academic outcomes continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8, alongside a thriving sixth form.

Staff are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.