Office Manager - Full-time

The Whitstable School, Whitstable

• Ref:KCC886-4091-571S
• Posted:11/05/2026
• Pay:£32,065 - £33,934
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:29/05/2026 at 15:00
• Interviews:w/c 1st June 2026

Advert

Office Manager – Be at the Heart of Our School’s Success

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Office Manager to join our vibrant and growing school community. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become a key figure in the operational running of a school that is ambitious, evolving, and committed to achieving excellence.

As Office Manager, you will be central to the smooth and effective functioning of the school’s day-to-day administration. Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a vital role in supporting the strategic and operational direction of the school. You will attend relevant leadership meetings to ensure clear communication and coordination of administrative priorities, acting as the crucial link between strategic planning and operational delivery.

This is more than a traditional administrative role – you will oversee systems and processes that are essential to the running of the school, from communications and compliance to scheduling and staff coordination. You’ll be working alongside a strong and enthusiastic admin team, with the responsibility to guide, delegate, and develop them to ensure the school’s administrative functions are efficient, responsive, and aligned with school priorities.

Key elements of the role include:

• Managing and developing the school’s administrative systems to support smooth day-to-day operations
• Supporting the Headteacher with diary management, communication, and implementation of strategic plans
• Attending leadership meetings to ensure administrative alignment with school priorities (without being part of the leadership team)
• Leading and developing an effective admin team to ensure workload is managed efficiently and deadlines are consistently met
• Acting as a key liaison between internal departments, staff, parents, and external stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and supporting the school’s safeguarding and data protection duties

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong organisational and communication skills
• Can take initiative and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Enjoys working collaboratively but can also lead and make decisions
• Is confident in managing systems, processes, and people
• Wants to be part of a school that values dedication, teamwork, and the drive for improvement

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a real difference in a school that values professionalism, care, and progress. If you are excited by the idea of working in a role where no two days are the same, and where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact tws_hr@swale.at or 01227 931300.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Information about the school

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact us at TWS_hr@swale.at.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

The Whitstable School, under the stewardship of its Headteacher Mr Alex Holmes, is charting an ambitious course towards excellence while ensuring inclusivity every step of the way. As a new era unfolds, the school stands ready to redefine its role in the community – not merely as an educational institution but as a hub of innovation, opportunity and personal growth.

Situated in the heart of Whitstable, Kent, the secondary school’s fresh vision aims to cater to the needs of its current students, as well as inspire future generations of prospective students.

At the heart of Mr Holmes’ vision is a commitment to provide a holistic educational experience – one that recognises the diverse talents and aspirations of every student. Central to this ethos is the belief that academic achievement should be complemented by a robust creative and vocational pathway. Thus, the school is expanding its GCSE offerings to include construction and bolstering its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics enrichment.

The Whitstable School is also broadening its A-level curriculum, introducing a suite of exciting new qualifications to accommodate the evolving needs of its student body, while a partnership agreement with Football Futures underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing regional football talent.

Acknowledging the impact of extracurricular activities, Mr Holmes has introduced new roles such as Enrichment Coordinator, aimed at diversifying the range of trips and rewards available to students. This commitment to broadening horizons and celebrating success extends to the very fabric of the school’s culture, with an emphasis on fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Through a redesigned curriculum model, The Whitstable School is prioritising the development of leadership skills, ensuring that students across all year groups have the opportunity to lead, inspire and make a tangible impact within their community.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Anna Rimmington
• Address:The Whitstable School, Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX
• Telephone: 01227 931300
• Email: tws-hr@swale.at

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Recruitment Pack