Office Manager

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Job Title: Office Manager

Location: Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4DU

Hours: 40 per week | Monday–Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm

Salary: Up to £27,000 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you an organised, proactive and people‑focused professional who thrives in a busy environment? Do you enjoy leading a team, shaping efficient systems and being at the heart of a school’s daily life? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking a School Office Manager to oversee the smooth running of our school office and lead our administrative team. This is a pivotal role supporting pupils, staff, parents and visitors, ensuring our school operates with excellence, warmth and professionalism every single day.

What You’ll Be Doing

As our School Office Manager, you will play a key role in the organisation, leadership and administration of the school. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the daily running of the school office, ensuring efficient administrative and communication systems.
• Leading, developing and appraising administrative staff, fostering a positive, high‑performing office team.
• Supporting the Senior Leadership Team with delegated tasks and contributing to the development of school systems, policies and procedures.
• Managing key administrative processes including pupil induction, school trips, parents’ evenings, meetings and events.
• Ensuring a professional, welcoming reception environment and maintaining all visitor, safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Managing data and information systems, producing reports, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with data protection and retention requirements.
• Overseeing financial and resource administration including ordering, stock control, budgeting support, service contracts, licences and audits.

What You’ll Bring

• Highly organised, adaptable and able to prioritise in a fast‑paced environment
• A confident leader with experience managing or developing staff
• Skilled in administration, data systems and communication
• Professional, approachable and committed to excellent service
• Able to maintain confidentiality and work with integrity at all times
• Enthusiastic about contributing to a positive school culture
• Full UK driving licence

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils 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 pupils 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.

Outcomes First Group 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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1