Office Manager

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we're putting wellbeing first.
That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Office Manager
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum dependent on experience (
not pro rata
)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we are thrilled to offer a fantastic opportunity for an Office Manager to join the close-knit, passionate team at The Holden School, part of Acorn Education.

*About The Role*
This is more than an administrative role — it's a chance to be at the heart of a thriving school community. You will lead our Administration Team, ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations while supporting staff, students, and visitors. Your role will be pivotal in maintaining a welcoming, organised, and efficient environment that allows everyone in the school to thrive.

You'll manage reception duties, assist the Senior Management Team, and oversee essential administrative processes, all while fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. Health, safety, and compliance will also be part of your remit, helping to ensure a safe and well-managed environment for all.

*Who We're Looking For*
We are seeking a proactive, organised, and approachable professional with experience in office or school management. You should be confident leading a team, managing multiple priorities, and handling confidential matters with discretion. A positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to supporting staff and students are essential.

*Key Responsibilities*

• Lead and support the Administration Team to deliver effective, high-quality administrative services.
• Manage reception duties and provide a welcoming, professional first point of contact.
• Support the Senior Management Team with administrative tasks, including recruitment and record-keeping.
• Ensure health, safety, and compliance procedures are followed.
• Assist with maintaining efficient office systems and smooth daily operations.

*Qualifications & Experience*

• Relevant experience in a similar office or school management role.
• Strong organisational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent communication and IT skills.

Join us and be part of a school where your skills, energy, and commitment will directly contribute to creating a supportive, nurturing environment for staff and pupils alike.
*About Us*
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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.

*Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:*

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a Market-leading Benefit Offering Through Our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, Enables You To Choose The Package That's Right For You, Including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

• You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

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.
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