Administrative Assistant

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title: Admin Assistant
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.00pm
Salary: £23,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are looking for an organised and proactive Admin Assistant to provide high-quality administrative support across our service. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will play an important part in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the centre, supporting colleagues, managers, students, families and external professionals.

As the first point of contact for visitors and telephone enquiries, you will help create a professional and welcoming environment while maintaining accurate records, managing key administrative processes and ensuring confidential information is handled appropriately. You will work across a range of functions, including admissions, examinations, HR administration, finance, facilities and general office support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing efficient, accurate and confidential administrative support to staff and managers.
• Managing reception duties, including handling calls, welcoming visitors and coordinating meeting rooms.
• Maintaining accurate records, databases and filing systems in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Supporting referral, admissions, review and assessment processes.
• Coordinating administrative tasks linked to examinations and qualifications.
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding and wider HR administration.
• Supporting finance processes, including invoices, petty cash, purchase orders and record keeping.
• Coordinating facilities administration, maintenance requests and asset records.
• Preparing reports, correspondence, meeting documentation and minutes.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to meet deadlines, respond to changing priorities and provide excellent customer service.

This role would suit someone who thrives in a busy environment, enjoys working across a variety of tasks and takes pride in delivering efficient and professional administrative support that helps the wider service operate effectively.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience in an administrative or office-based role.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of people.
• Has strong IT skills and is confident using Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Demonstrates excellent organisational skills and can manage multiple tasks effectively.

About Us

Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive.

Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student’s individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills.

As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales .

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