Role Introduction

The School Office Assistant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration of the School Office and will support the School Clerk in maintaining the close partnership between School Office and the School. School Office is a focal point within the School for both staff and pupils.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Meeting and greeting visitors at all levels of seniority in a welcoming manner, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate person;
• Proactive management of incoming and outgoing communications including emails, post, telephone enquiries; Sorting and distributing incoming mail. Taking and delivering messages;
• Responding to all queries within a timely manner, escalating to the appropriate person where necessary;
• Assisting in event management; large-scale mailings, booking school buses, etc.;
• Using the franking machine to frank post daily and ensuring it is sufficiently always topped up;
• Undertake training in the use of copying machines in the Duplicating Office;
• Creating, editing and updating spreadsheets;
• Keeping an accurate inventory of School Events stock;
• Maintain all office systems including accurate data management and reliable and efficient filling;
• Supporting the team with other tasks as necessary to facilitate the smooth running of the department;
• Assist with any other ad hoc general office requirements including management of mobile phones for school trips, arranging engraving, etc.;
• Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the School Clerk;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.Working Pattern 

This is a part-time position. During term time (32 weeks) you will be working 16.5 hours per week, Tuesday 8 – 5pm and Thursday 8 – 5pm plus 8 Saturday (8.00am to 1.00pm). 

Outside of term time, you will be required to work 1 day (8am – 5pm) before the Masters return at the start of the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms and 2 days (8am – 5pm) after the Masters finish at the end of each of these terms. At the end of the summer term you will be required to work the 2 days (8am – 5pm) after the Masters finish plus an additional 4 days during summer schools (9.00am to 3.00pm). 

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have;

• Proficiency in Microsoft office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint and MS Forms);
• Experience of data management;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to liaise with a wide variety of people;
• Professional telephone manner;
• Friendly, courteous and empathetic;
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Integrity, honesty and reliability;
• The ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion and professionalism at all times.

Additionally, you may enjoy this role if you;

• Enjoy engaging with people and you are keen to develop good professional relationships with the boys, colleagues and parents and any external visitors;
• Have experience of working within an Events environment.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College