River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Administrator to play a key role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of River Academy. This role will deputise for the Operations Manager and lead high-quality administrative, marketing and operational support across the school.

The postholder will ensure that administrative systems and processes are effective, compliant and responsive, while leading and developing a team to deliver a professional and welcoming front-facing service. This role contributes directly to the experience of students, families, staff and wider stakeholders by ensuring that school operations run efficiently and consistently to a high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage administrative systems, processes and data management, including Bromcom, ensuring accuracy, compliance and effective reporting
• Line manage the reception team and administrative support assistants, ensuring effective deployment, performance and development
• Ensure the effective delivery of administrative services across the school, maintaining high standards of confidentiality, accuracy and responsiveness
• Support school operations including admissions, transitions, events and communications to ensure a positive experience for students and families
• Manage Year 7 transition processes and in-year admissions in line with requirements
• Oversee key administrative functions including correspondence, reception, telephone enquiries and reporting
• Maintain and manage accurate student data, including census processes and statutory returns
• Support financial administration processes including ordering, GRNs and record-keeping in line with Trust procedures
• Lead on ParentPay and free school meal queries
• Oversee Parents’ Evening processes and manage CTF transfers
• Deputise for the Operations Manager as required to ensure continuity of administrative leadership
• Provide reception and administrative support that upholds safeguarding procedures and site security
• Provide emergency first aid cover as required

The ideal candidate

• Experience working in an administrative role, with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail
• Proficient in IT systems including Microsoft Office and administrative databases
• Ability to manage and maintain accurate data systems in line with data protection requirements
• Ability to lead and support a team to deliver a high-quality service
• Professional, discreet and able to handle confidential information appropriately
• Flexible, adaptable and able to work collaboratively within a school environment
• Commitment to continuous improvement and high standards of service delivery

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and full compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

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 5,000 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.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.

The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties.

The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

To learn more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk

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.

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.

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