Administration Assistant

We are looking for an organised, professional and approachable Administrative Support Assistant to join Maiden Erlegh School in Reading. This is a varied role providing high-quality administrative and customer service support to colleagues, parents, carers, visitors and students. You will help ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the school’s administrative systems while supporting teaching colleagues to maximise enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities for students. As a Disability Confident employer , we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020. Key Responsibilities Provide effective administrative support to teaching colleagues, helping to organise enrichment and extra-curricular activities efficiently. Produce and distribute standard letters using the school’s electronic communication systems and postal services. Act as a professional first point of contact for students, parents, carers and external stakeholders, responding to queries and directing enquiries appropriately. Assist with maintaining the school website and social media platforms in line with school guidance. Support safeguarding, visitor management and first aid provision, ensuring procedures are followed consistently. Work collaboratively across the administrative and wider school team, providing reception and administrative cover where required. Manage the school’s central email inbox, ensuring queries are responded to promptly or directed to the appropriate colleague. Maintain accurate student and school records, including information required for the school census and other data management processes. Maintain accurate filing and records in accordance with confidentiality, data protection and records retention requirements. The Ideal Candidate You will have at least two years’ experience working in an administrative role, preferably within a customer service environment. You will be able to communicate professionally and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and organise and prioritise your workload in response to changing demands and deadlines. You will have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel. Knowledge of Bromcom or another Management Information System would be desirable, as would a first aid qualification. Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER) Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education. Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here 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 eleven 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 brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people. Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website. Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including : Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible) Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes Mental Health First Aid Support Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET Employee Referral Scheme Additional Information If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, 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 and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references