Finance Assistant - Term Time

The Orchard School, Canterbury

• Ref:KCC886-7062-272S
• Posted:28/01/2026
• Pay:KSC
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:08/02/2026 at 23:45
• Interviews:Thursday 12th February 2026

Advert

At The Orchard School, our mission is simple: Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares. We are a nurturing and inclusive SEMH special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils. Our therapeutic approach recognises behaviour as communication, prioritises relationships, and celebrates every child’s individuality and potential.

37 hours per week Term time only plus 5 CPD days, Mon-Thur 8am-4pm., Fri 8am-3.30pm

Salary KSC £21,912.93 (FTE: £25,252.00) [Salary negotiable based on skills and experience]

Are you organised, detail-driven and quietly brilliant at keeping things running smoothly? We’re looking for a Finance Assistant to join the friendly, supportive team at The Orchard School.

This is a key role at the heart of the school, supporting our finance function and helping ensure resources are in the right place to support our pupils and staff. No two days are quite the same, and your work will genuinely make a difference.

About the role:
You’ll support the day-to-day financial operations of the school, including processing orders and invoices, monitoring expenditure, supporting budget management, and working closely with colleagues across the school. Accuracy, organisation and good communication are essential.

About you:
You’ll be well-organised, reliable and confident working with financial systems and spreadsheets. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team, be comfortable dealing with a range of staff, and take pride in getting the details right. Experience in a school or public sector setting is helpful but not essential.

Why join The Orchard School?

• A welcoming, supportive staff team
• A role with real purpose and impact
• Opportunities to develop your skills
• A school that values collaboration, kindness and professionalism

To Apply:

Please complete the application form, clearly outlining your relevant experience and your motivation for applying. CVs are not required.

The Orchard School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safeguarding check, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Information about the school

The Orchard School is a cross-phase special school for primary and secondary-aged pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, often alongside associated learning difficulties.

We are proud to be a Therapeutic Thinking and Inclusive school community, guided by The Orchard Way, where relationships come first, behaviour is understood as communication, and every pupil is supported to grow and thrive.

At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. Our Mission, Vision and Values are at the heart of everything we do-shaping our approach to learning, support and personal development. We are committed to nurturing pupils’ social, emotional and mental health through trust, belonging, aspiration, voice, pride and curiosity.

Our pupils come from across East Kent and beyond. They are supported by a dedicated team who work closely with families, professionals and each other to ensure every learner feels safe, valued and empowered to succeed.

We are on an exciting journey of continuous improvement. Join us as we grow together-through compassion, clarity and purpose.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Cherith Stibbe
• Address:Cambridge Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3QQ
• Telephone: 01227 769220
• Email: cstibbe@orchard.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01227 781589

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description
• Person Specification