School administrator – Attendance and admissions administration
Location: Islington
Salary: £16-18 per hour
Contract – Until April 2027
Start – ASAP
Must hold Enhanced DBS on the update service
Job Purpose
To provide efficient, professional, and confidential administrative support to the school, with primary responsibility for attendance and admissions administration. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring accurate pupil records, supporting safeguarding procedures, maintaining excellent communication with families, and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the school office using Arbor or SIMS Management Information Systems.
Key Responsibilities
Attendance Administration
Monitor daily pupil attendance using Arbor or SIMS.
Follow up on unexplained absences by contacting parents/carers promptly.
Maintain accurate attendance records in accordance with statutory guidance.
Produce attendance reports for senior leaders, governors, and external agencies.
Monitor persistent absence and support attendance improvement initiatives.
Liaise with Education Welfare Officers and other external agencies where required.
Record late arrivals and early collections accurately.
Ensure attendance data is submitted accurately and within required deadlines.Admissions Administration
Manage pupil admissions and leavers using Arbor or SIMS.
Process new starter applications and maintain accurate pupil records.
Coordinate admissions paperwork and communications with parents/carers.
Prepare admission packs and ensure all required documentation is received.
Liaise with the Local Authority regarding admissions and transfers.
Update school census information relating to admissions.
Maintain waiting lists where applicable.
Support transition arrangements for new pupils.General School Administration
Provide a welcoming and professional first point of contact for visitors, parents, pupils, and staff.
Answer telephone calls and respond to emails promptly and professionally.
Maintain accurate pupil and staff records.
Produce letters, reports, spreadsheets, and other documentation as required.
Manage school email inboxes and distribute correspondence appropriately.
Order and maintain office supplies.
Assist with organising school events, meetings, and parent evenings.
Support the administration of school trips and educational visits.
Maintain filing systems, both electronic and paper-based.
Process forms, permissions, and general correspondence.
Assist with school communications via email, text messaging, and parent communication systems.Arbor / SIMS Responsibilities
Maintain accurate pupil, staff, and contact information.
Generate reports for attendance, admissions, census, safeguarding, and leadership requirements.
Support statutory school census returns.
Update timetable, registration, and pupil information where appropriate.
Ensure data accuracy and compliance with GDPR.
Troubleshoot basic user issues and support colleagues in using the Management Information System where appropriate.Safeguarding and Compliance
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
Support safeguarding procedures by ensuring accurate recording of attendance concerns and pupil information.
Comply with GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
Follow all school policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, and confidentiality.
Participate in safeguarding and mandatory training.Person Specification
Essential
Previous administrative experience in a school environment.
Experience using Arbor or SIMS Management Information Systems.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure.
Professional, approachable, and customer-focused manner.
Understanding of confidentiality and GDPR requirements.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Desirable
Experience managing school attendance.
Experience administering school admissions.
Knowledge of school census procedures.
Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within schools.
First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).
Experience working in a busy educational office environment.Personal Qualities
Friendly and approachable.
Reliable and trustworthy.
Calm under pressure.
Highly organised.
Flexible and adaptable.
Proactive with excellent problem-solving skills.
Strong commitment to supporting children, families, and the wider school community.The School Expects All Staff To
Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
Work in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Demonstrate professionalism at all times.
Contribute positively to the school's ethos and values.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post as reasonably requested by the Headteacher or School Business Manager
