School Secretary, Admissions & Engagement Officer
** PLEASE APPLY BY APPLICATION FORM ON SCHOOL WEBSITE**
St Ambrose Preparatory School
Independent Catholic Preparatory School | Ages 3–11
Hale Barns, Altrincham
Salary: NJC SCP 14 – £29,540 FTE
Actual salary: Approximately £25,780 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 8.30am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break
Working pattern: Term time (34.5 weeks) plus 4 additional weeks per year
Pension: Defined contribution pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 10%, dependent on employee contribution
Start date: September 2026
Application deadline: 9.00am, Thursday 6th August 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 10th August
About the role:
St Ambrose Preparatory School is seeking an organised, proactive and personable School Secretary, Admissions & Engagement Officer to join our warm and high-achieving independent Catholic prep school.
This is a varied and important role at the heart of our school. As a key first point of contact for current and prospective families, the successful candidate will play a central part in ensuring a welcoming and professional experience for everyone who engages with St Ambrose Prep School.
The role combines school administration and confidential PA support to the Headteacher with responsibility for admissions administration, family engagement, attendance, communications and marketing.
We are looking for someone who will take real ownership of their areas of responsibility: responding promptly to prospective families, supporting them from initial enquiry through to enrolment, building positive relationships with our existing families and helping us to showcase the quality and breadth of life at St Ambrose Prep School.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing professional and confidential PA and administrative support to the Headteacher
- Acting as a warm and professional first point of contact for current and prospective families, pupils and visitors
- Managing and following up admissions enquiries and coordinating prospective family visits and tours
- Supporting prospective families throughout the admissions journey, from initial enquiry through to enrolment
- Maintaining accurate pupil, admissions and attendance records
- Monitoring daily attendance and following up pupil absences in line with school procedures
- Supporting safeguarding administration and ensuring appropriate visitor procedures are followed
- Creating and coordinating regular content for the school's social media channels
- Keeping website content accurate, current and engaging
- Supporting school communications, newsletters and promotional activity
- Coordinating Open Days, Open Mornings and other pupil recruitment events
- Helping to showcase the school's academic achievements, pastoral care, sport, music and wider opportunities
- Building positive relationships with parents and supporting effective family engagement
- Supporting the smooth and effective day-to-day running of the school office
About you:
You will be highly organised, confident and approachable, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
You will have experience of working in a busy, front-facing environment and be comfortable managing competing priorities while maintaining a calm and professional approach. You will be proactive, able to work independently and willing to take ownership of your responsibilities.
Experience within a school would be advantageous but is not essential. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: admissions, stakeholder engagement, communications, administration, executive or PA support.
You should be confident using Microsoft Office and digital systems and either have experience of, or be willing to develop your skills in, website and social media content.
Above all, you will understand the importance of providing an excellent experience for both current and prospective families and will share our commitment to the values and ethos of St Ambrose Preparatory School.
What we offer:
- A warm, welcoming and supportive school community
- The opportunity to play a key role in the life and future development of the school
- A varied and rewarding role with genuine scope to make an impact
- Outstanding academic standards and pupils who are enthusiastic about learning
- A defined contribution pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 10%, dependent on employee contribution
- Subsidised school fees for children of staff
- On-site parking
- An attractive and easily accessible green-site setting
- A commitment to staff wellbeing
How to apply:
Please complete the School's application form and return it to Claire Woods, School Business Manager, at [email protected] by 9.00am on Thursday 6 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 10th August.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a new colleague who will make a positive contribution to our school community.
Safeguarding
St Ambrose Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and all other relevant safer recruitment checks in accordance with statutory guidance and the School's safeguarding procedures.
Pay: £25,780.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
