About Us

Ashcombe is a larger than average primary school with capacity for 630 pupils. We recently had a £6 million extension added to our existing building and we’re very proud of our site and the opportunities it offers.

At Ashcombe, our mantra is ‘We are Ashcombe’. That means we work together and no one individual is more important than the whole. Our culture is one of respect where staff are valued and treated with kindness.

We are an inclusive school which is ambitious for our children and our community.  Working in any school is never easy, but it is always worth it. We are looking for members of the team who are willing to work hard and are motivated by their desire to make a difference to all children and the community they serve.

We like to have fun and a sense of humour is essential. In a large school, we need team players who enjoy working with others. Many of our staff have worked here for many years and although we’re a large school, we have a family feel and look out for each other.

We are looking to appoint someone who can join our team and take a vital role in leading the admin team. Visits to the school are highly recommended and be arranged by contacting Lisa Driscoll or Debbie brand via e-mail - office@ashcombeprimary.co.uk or by ringing 01934 620141

The Role

The Office Manager plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of all administrative operations within the school. You will be responsible for overseeing office systems, managing administrative staff, providing finance and HR support, and ensuring high-quality service to pupils, staff, parents, and visitors.

This role suits someone who enjoys varied work, thrives under pressure, and is confident leading others while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Administration & Operations

• Lead and manage day‑to‑day school administration services.
• Oversee a busy school office, ensuring efficient and professional front‑of‑house operations.
• Oversee admissions, attendance systems, pupil records, and daily communications.
• Coordinate admission arrangements of pupils (including in-year admissions), according to the school’s admission policy.
• Coordinate and support the effective transition of new pupils to the school, as well as leavers with the organisation of all processes and key communication with families, staff and other agencies.
• Coordinate school calendar activities, events, and office workflows.
• Liaise with school kitchens, Lunchtime Company, fruit and milk deliveries
• Oversee the coordination and organisation of enrichment after school clubs, including food ordering and liaise with external providers and relevant staff.
• Support with Health and Safety within the school and report on or action where appropriate.
• Provide admin assistance to the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to help support the effective running of the school.
• Liaise closely with the Kaleidoscope MAT Central team, follow Trust procedures and attend MAT Office Manager meetings.
• Ensure systems and processes are streamlined, effective, and aligned with Trust policies.

Compliance, Data Management & Statutory Returns

• Maintain robust data management systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and GDPR compliance.
• Oversee the collection, maintenance, and reporting of pupil, staff, and school data, including the school MIS and SCR.
• Support with pupil assessment data and LA/Trust returns.
• Oversee FSM management for the school including Wonde.
• Ensure all visitors and volunteers provide suitable documentation for safeguarding checks to be made where appropriate and keep Single Central Record updated to reflect this.
• Lead on statutory submissions such as:
• School Census
• Workforce Census
• Attendance and admin support with safeguarding reporting
• Trust‑required returns and audits
• Ensure policies, procedures, and filing systems meet statutory and Trust requirements.
• Support senior leaders with compliance monitoring, record‑keeping, and audit preparation.

Marketing, Publicity & Communications

• Lead the school’s communication strategy to ensure clear, timely, and engaging messaging.
• Manage internal and external communication platforms, including newsletters, website content, and social media (where appropriate).
• Promote the school’s achievements, events, and ethos to strengthen relationships with the community.
• Work with Trust communications teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Coordinate promotional materials, parent communications, and school publicity.

Staff & Team Management

• Line manage office staff, providing support, guidance, and performance oversight.
• Organise staff workloads and ensure an efficient, customer‑focused office environment.
• Promote a positive, collaborative team culture.

Finance & HR Support

• Support the School Bursar as needed with financial processes.  Such as; invoicing, purchasing, journals, child care vouchers, lettings, educational visits, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.
• Help apply for appropriate funding and weekly checks for FSM entitlement.
• Assist as necessary with ParentPay and ensure all parent payments are in full and on time.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into Trust finance systems.
• Support HR functions including recruitment administration, pre‑employment checks, absence recording, and payroll queries.
• Support Headteacher with arranging cover for sickness and planned absences, either via agency or existing staff.
• Support the Headteacher with staff induction.

Employees will be expected

·         To comply with any reasonable request from those in a position of responsibility to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

·         To work with and alongside other staff to ensure that the school provides the best possible outcomes for all children.

·         To provide emergency back-up cover in the event of staff absence.

 About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong administrative or office management experience (school experience desirable).
• Is confident with data systems and able to learn specialist software quickly.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is highly organised, calm, and able to multitask in a busy environment.
• Understands confidentiality, safeguarding, GDPR, and data compliance.
• Can lead and motivate a team.
• Is committed to the ethos and community of a primary school.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative staff team.
• Opportunities for professional development across the Trust.
• A friendly, inclusive school environment with enthusiastic pupils.
• Trust‑wide resources, systems, and wellbeing initiatives.
• A varied and fulfilling role at the heart of the school community.

Ashcombe School is part of Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust (KMAT) and central to the planning and systems of KMAT are our 5 C’s:

1.      Our schools are Child-centric (focusing on the whole child)

2.      Creative and innovative

3.      Community focused

4.      Collaborative but distinctive

5.      We have a Culture of high expectations and excellence, striving for and sharing best practice.

Safeguarding and Child Protection:

Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust are committed to ensuring outstanding safeguarding procedures and to promote the welfare of our pupils.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.