The Administrative Support Assistant provides high-quality administrative and customer service support across the school office, helping ensure the smooth and efficient operation of school administrative systems. The role acts as a professional first point of contact for students, parents, carers, visitors and staff, ensuring enquiries are managed appropriately and communication across the school community is effective.

Working as part of the administrative team, the postholder supports a range of office and reception functions. The role contributes to maintaining accurate student and school records, supporting statutory data processes and ensuring information is handled securely and confidentially.

The role also provides administrative support that enables teaching colleagues to organise enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities efficiently, helping reduce administrative workload and supporting the effective organisation of activities for students.

Through professional communication, accurate record keeping and collaborative working with colleagues, the postholder contributes to a welcoming, organised and well-functioning school environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high-quality administrative and customer service support across the school office, contributing to the efficient operation of administrative systems.

• Act as a professional first point of contact for students, parents, carers, visitors and external stakeholders, responding to enquiries and directing queries appropriately.

• Manage and respond to enquiries through the school’s central email inbox, ensuring queries are handled promptly or directed to the appropriate colleague.

• Produce and distribute standard communications using the school’s electronic communication systems and postal services.

• Maintain accurate administrative records and filing systems in line with the school’s records retention policy and data protection requirements.

• Support the maintenance and accuracy of student and school data, including processes linked to statutory reporting and the school census.

• Provide administrative support that enables the organisation of enrichment and extra-curricular activities for students.

• Support safeguarding procedures within the school environment, including visitor management processes and adherence to safeguarding expectations.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school office and provide cover for reception or other administrative duties where required.

• Assist with maintaining the school website and social media platforms in line with school guidance.

• Support the wider administrative team and deputise for colleagues where necessary to maintain continuity of office operations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Minimum of two years’ experience working in an administrative role, preferably within a customer service environment.

• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing.

• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise workload and respond effectively to changing demands and deadlines.

• Ability to identify stakeholder needs quickly and respond appropriately to queries.

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.

• Knowledge of Bromcom or other Management Information Systems (MIS) desirable.

• High levels of reliability, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality when handling information and interacting with stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.

• Flexible approach to working and commitment to ongoing professional development.

• First Aid qualification desirable.

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

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

• Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

• ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

• Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.

Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

• Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

• Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

• Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

• Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

• Mental Health First Aid support.

• Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

• 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.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context which is as committed to the welfare of students and staff as it is to our high-quality education. Staff wellbeing is a key focus of the school.  Staff voice is very important to us in determining both our change management plans and our ongoing wellbeing objectives.  Our school benefits from excellent, modern facilities and teaching spaces and we are very proud of our vibrant, diverse and engaging students who work hard and have high aspirations. 

Additional Information 

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, 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.