Admin and Support Assistant (Riverside Centre)

Training is provided at Clarendon Secondary Site (Egerton Road)

Start date: April 2026 

Hours: 36 hours per week (Mon-Thurs 8 am to 3.45 pm, Fri 8 am to 3.30 pm with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break), 40 weeks per year (Term time inc. inset days and one week during school closure)

Salary:  £28,662 pa actual (NJC Scale 5, sp 12)

Clarendon School is a vibrant and inclusive special academy for 160 pupils aged 4–16 with Moderate and Complex Learning Difficulties. We operate across three self-contained sites within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, co-located with inclusive mainstream schools. Our Primary and Secondary centres benefit from excellent purpose-built facilities, and we are proud members of the Auriga Academy Trust — a unique partnership of special schools across West London committed to achieving the very best outcomes for young people with additional learning needs.

Opening on the banks of the River Thames in Petersham in September 2026, the Clarendon Riverside Centre will provide up to 78 new places for local pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties.

Designed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre offers a sustainable, net-zero environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Four classes across KS1, KS2 and KS3 will open in the first year (up to 30 pupils), growing to full capacity over five years.

This is a rare opportunity to join a brand-new centre at the very start of its journey.

We are seeking a highly organised, professional and welcoming Admin & Support Assistant to play a central role in establishing the smooth and efficient running of our new Riverside Centre. As the first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, and visitors, you will manage reception, provide comprehensive administrative support, and help create a warm, secure, and professional environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the school reception and visitor procedures (including safeguarding and security systems)
• Handling telephone and email enquiries and maintaining the central admin inbox
• Supporting pupil administration, including attendance, annual reviews, transport and trips
• Managing online payments, cash handling and finance-related admin (ARBOR)
• Supporting communication with parents and external professionals
• Providing first aid coordination and maintaining medical records
• Assisting with staff induction and HR liaison
• Supporting health & safety procedures and emergency protocols
• Maintaining the school website and general office systems

This is a varied and busy role that requires initiative, discretion, strong organisational skills, and a calm, solution-focused approach. 

You will:

• Have experience in an administrative or school office environment
• Be confident using IT systems (including management information systems such as ARBOR or similar)
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Understand the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR
• Be flexible, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
• Be willing to undertake paediatric first aid and behaviour training if not already qualified

Experience in a special school or working with children with additional needs would be advantageous, but not essential. You will help shape a welcoming and professional centre from day one, supporting pupils with complex needs to access high-quality specialist education closer to home.

Why join us?

• Access to very competitive pension schemes
• Employee Assistance Program - available 24/7 to support you
• The Cycle to Work scheme - a brand new bike and equipment through your salary, saving up to 42%.
• Auriga Rewards benefits platform with 1000s of discounts and offers for big-name brands in retail, travel, fitness, utilities and wellbeing.
• We have committed to following nationally agreed terms and conditions for pay for both teachers and support staff
• Recruitment Referral Scheme
• Wider opportunities for career progression and professional development across the Trust, with the ability to move across different settings and divisions.

Application closing date: midnight Sunday 1st March 2026

Shortlisting: Monday 2nd March 2026

Interviews: Monday 9th March 2026 (Secondary site - Egerton Road, Twickenham)

Shortlisting will be based on your supporting statement. Please ensure you address each point as per the attached person specification.

Safeguarding Statement

The Auriga Trust and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a valid right to work status, satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references, a pre-employment health questionnaire, and an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

There is a shared commitment across the Trust to nurture a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, individuals are treated equitably and fairly, and they feel a sense of belonging.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy and interview shortlisted candidates at any time ahead of the closing date. We recommend you submit your application as early as possible.