Office Manager (Fixed Term, Maternity Cover)

‘Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in a busy school office where no two days are the same and your contribution directly supports educational success?’ 

The Rookeries J, I & N School is seeking a dynamic, highly organised, and proactive Office Manager to join our dedicated team. This is a key role at the heart of our school’s daily operations, offering an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on the smooth running of our busy and vibrant school environment. 

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings a ‘can-do’ attitude, and is passionate about delivering excellence in everything they do. The successful candidate will be a central figure in the school, ensuring that our administrative, reception, and reprographics services run smoothly and efficiently, while also supporting teaching and learning through robust coordination and communication. 

Why this role matters: 

This is not just an administrative position—it is a pivotal and fast-paced role that underpins the success of our school. From managing sensitive HR processes and safeguarding records to coordinating recruitment, performance management, and financial procedures, the Office Manager is instrumental in maintaining the high standards and smooth functioning of our school community. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Act as the first point of contact for school leaders, supporting strategic and operational activities. 
• Lead and supervise the reception and admin team, ensuring a professional and welcoming front-of-house service. 
• Oversee key HR processes including absence management, recruitment, induction, and performance reviews. 
• Maintain accurate and secure school records, including the Single Central Record and personnel files. 
• Coordinate internal and external communications, ensuring timely and effective information flow. 
• Support financial administration, including managing school payment systems and adhering to Trust financial procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with data protection and information governance policies. 
• Assist with the organisation of school events, educational visits, and pupil welfare duties. 

What we’re looking for: 

We welcome applications from individuals who are: 

• Experienced in school administration or similar busy office environments. 
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities and leading a team. 
• Confident in handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. 
• Motivated, resilient, and committed to continuous improvement. 

Contract Details 

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position from 1st December 2025 to 10th July 2026, working 37 hours per week, term time plus 5 days. There may be potential to start earlier for a handover period. 

Working Pattern: 

• Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 16:00 
• Friday: 08:00 – 15:30 

About The Rookeries Junior, Infant & Nursery School 

At The Rookeries Carleton Junior, Infant & Nursery School, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the skills, values, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our dedication to academic excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Through evidence-based teaching and a rigorous curriculum, we ensure every child is supported to achieve their full academic potential. 

We believe in the power of partnership and work closely with parents, carers, and the wider community to create a supportive network that enriches each child’s learning experience. 

Our strong academic outcomes consistently place us within the top 5% of primary schools nationally for pupils meeting or exceeding expected standards in reading, writing, and maths. 

At the same time, we place great importance on the holistic development of every child. Through a wide range of extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and our bespoke FLOURISH curriculum, we support our pupils’ social, emotional, and personal growth. We aim to develop compassionate, resilient, and confident young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust 

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve.  

The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Our primary outcomes at Key Stage 2 now sit 24% above the national average, with five out of the seven in the top 5% in the country for combined outcomes. Within the last 12 months, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park J&I School, Larks Hill J&I School and Halfpenny Lane J,I&N School – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their most recent Ofsted inspections. Our secondary schools Key Stage 4 results for English, Maths and Science are well above national average and both schools had successful visits from Ofsted in 2024 and 2022.  

Additionally, we have just announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools. This is set to take place in Sept 2026, a step that reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll be a part of shaping that future with us. 

What can we offer you? 

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.  
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.  
• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities  
• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS).   
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance  
• Cycle to work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership     
• Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers    
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)    
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2   
• Free flu vaccinations. 

Key Dates  

Application Deadline: 09:00am, Monday 3rd November 2025  

Interviews to be held: To be confirmed 

Start date: Monday 1st December 2025. There may be potential to start earlier for a handover period. 

Application Process  

Complete an application form via our website  

Important Links  

Pontefract Academies Trust website

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

The Rookeries J, I & N School Website  

Contact Information  

Tel: 01977 7600368 

Email:  recruitment@rookeries.patrust.org.uk 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.   

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.   

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.