Job Description:
School Business Administrator (Independent School, Whitchurch, Shropshire)
Location: Acorn Wood, Shropshire
Hours: 30 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm)
Salary: £18,750 pro rata - (£25,000 FTE )
Annual Leave: This is a school-based role and, as such, is term-time only. You will benefit from 12 weeks’ annual leave per year, in line with school holidays.
Other Benefits:
Working Hours: 9am–3pm, Monday to Friday
Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth
Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside passionate, collaborative colleagues, who ensure that healing, connection, curiosity, and growth are woven through every relational interaction.
Wellbeing Focus: A culture that values your wellbeing, contribution and growth
Meaningful Impact: Make a real difference in the lives of our children and the wider school community
About Us
Acorn Wood is a psychologically aware, relationally led school, rooted in a deep belief that children flourish when they feel safe, seen, and understood. At Acorn Wood, education is not just about outcomes — it is about healing, connection, curiosity, and growth.
Our practice is grounded in neuroscience and evidence-based approaches, recognising how early experiences, trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopment shape the way children learn, regulate, and relate. We work with the brain, not against it. We understand that behaviour is communication, and that regulation precedes learning.
Nature and nurture sit at the heart of everything we do. Our environment is calm, thoughtful, and intentionally designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and exploration. We value rhythm over reaction, presence over pressure, and relationships over rewards.
We believe that meaningful learning happens when academic achievement is integrated with emotional wellbeing. Our team is passionate, skilled, and committed to high standards, innovation, and continuous reflection. We foster a culture where curiosity is encouraged, achievement is celebrated, and everyone feels valued and understood.
As an employer, Acorn Wood invests in your professional growth and wellbeing through ongoing development opportunities, reflective supervision, and a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. You will be joining a school that believes that when our colleagues grow, so do our children.
If you are motivated by excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
As our School Business Administrator you will be the organisational heartbeat of Acorn Wood, ensuring that our systems run smoothly and our team is empowered to focus on what matters most: supporting our children. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will balance essential administrative responsibilities and ensuring compliance with the Independent School Standards.
You will work closely with our senior leadership team, teaching staff, and external partners, ensuring that records are accurate, compliance is maintained, and communication is clear. Your exacting attention to detail and proactive approach will help to keep our school safe, efficiently maintained, and welcoming.
Most importantly, you will be part of an inclusive team that believes in openness, reflection, and continuous improvement. Your work will directly contribute to creating a nurturing, well organised environment where both children and colleagues can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide efficient administrative support to ensure the smooth daily operation of the school, including managing attendance, daily communications, and essential records.
- Coordinate and maintain diaries, schedules, and registers, supporting meetings and compliance processes.
- Welcome visitors and act as a first point of contact for colleagues, children, and external partners.
- Oversee the updates of key documentation, such as risk assessments, consent forms, and emergency contact information.
- Support the monitoring and renewal of staff training, compliance checks, and health and safety routines.
- Take responsibility for the organisation and auditing of essential supplies and safety equipment.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve digital workflows and support the adoption of new technologies across the organisation.
About You
- Experienced and confident in using Google Drive and Google Workspace (essential)
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of Apple software and devices (essential), including macOS, iOS, and key Apple productivity tools, as our school is fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
- Organised, detail-oriented, highly diligent and able to manage multiple priorities calmly and efficiently
- Positive communicator with colleagues, children, and visitors
- IT literate and willing to lead on systems and tools
- Committed to safeguarding, confidentiality, and high standards of compliance
- Thrive in a values-driven, child-centred environment and eager to contribute to our mission
- An understanding of independent schools and the stringent compliance standards to be adhered to
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive, reflective team that values your growth and wellbeing
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Work Location: In person
Pay: £18,750.00 per year
Work Location: In person
