Administrative Assistant - Term Time

The Orchard School, Canterbury

• Ref:KCC886-7062-286S
• Posted:01/07/2026
• Pay:KSB - Pro-Rata £23,483 (FTE £26,822.00)
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:10/07/2026 at 08:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Be the welcoming face of a school where everyone matters. 

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

At The Orchard School, we believe that great schools aren’t just built in classrooms. They’re built in every conversation, every warm welcome, every well-organised day and every act of kindness behind the scenes. 

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, organised and personable Administrative Assistant to join our friendly team and help keep our school running smoothly. 

This is far more than an office role. You’ll be at the heart of our school community, welcoming visitors, supporting colleagues, helping families, coordinating communications and ensuring that the countless details that make a school function happen efficiently and professionally. 

No two days are ever the same. 

One moment you’ll be greeting visitors, the next you’ll be supporting school events, coordinating diaries, preparing communications, assisting with admin of educational visits or helping colleagues solve the next challenge that comes through the door. 

If you enjoy variety, love being organised and take pride in helping others, you’ll thrive here. 

What makes The Orchard different? 

At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares. 

We are a therapeutic special school for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and our administration team plays an essential role in creating the calm, welcoming and organised environment our pupils, families and staff deserve. 

Guided by The Orchard Way, our values of Trust, Belonging, Aspiration, Voice, Pride and Curiosity shape every aspect of school life. Together, we create a community where everyone feels Ready, Respectful and Safe. 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• loves being organised and enjoys bringing order to busy days. 

• is warm, welcoming and enjoys working with people. 

• communicates professionally and confidently with families, colleagues and visitors. 

• can juggle competing priorities whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail. 

• enjoys working as part of a supportive team but is equally confident using their own initiative. 

• wants to contribute to something meaningful by supporting children and young people to thrive. 

In return, we offer: 

• the opportunity to work in a genuinely supportive and caring team. 

• a school where relationships come first and every role is valued. 

• ongoing professional development and opportunities to learn. 

• a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. 

• the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children, families and colleagues every single day. 

If you’re looking for more than just an administration job and want to become part of a school where Everyone Matters Everyone Cares, we’d love to hear from you. 

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 and Person Specification