What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you find satisfaction in tidy spreadsheets, accurate data, and systems that just work? Do you quietly enjoy bringing order to complexity and knowing that, behind the scenes, your work makes everything else possible?
At Ferndown Middle School, what happens in classrooms is powered by the work of dedicated staff across the school - and data plays a vital role in helping our pupils thrive. As part of the Southern Education Trust, we are a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where people matter, children come first and teamwork is valued (alongside a good sense of humour on busy days).
We are looking for a skilled, organised and quietly brilliant Data Officer to join our friendly administration team. This is a role for someone who cares about accuracy, enjoys problem‑solving and understands that every number represents a child.
What you’ll do
* Manage and maintain the school’s pupil data systems, ensuring information is accurate, up to date and secure
* Collect, input and analyse data relating to attendance, assessment, progress and statutory returns
* Build and maintain the school pupil timetable, ensuring accuracy and alignment with curriculum requirements and operational needs.
* Produce clear, meaningful reports for the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, Governors and Trust
* Support the production of pupil reports and assessment cycles throughout the year
* Lead on KS2 SATs administration, helping ensure everything runs smoothly (and calmly)
* Support admissions, end‑of‑year and new‑year processes, including class lists and timetabling updates
* Coordinate logins and access to online learning platforms and school systems
* Provide wider administrative and reception support when needed - because schools are team efforts
Who you are
* Highly organised, methodical and accurate (you notice the missing digit before anyone else does)
* Confident using ICT systems and spreadsheets, particularly Excel
* Calm under pressure and able to juggle competing deadlines in a busy school environment
* Discreet, trustworthy and respectful of confidentiality and data protection
* Flexible, approachable and happy to support colleagues across the school
* Proud of doing things properly, even when no one is watching
* Have at least 5 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at Grade C or above, including Maths and English
* In possession of a sense of humour - especially when deadlines, data drops and diary changes all arrive at once
What the school offers its staff
Why join us?
* The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
* Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
* We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
* Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
* You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
* A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
* Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme.
* The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust - a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”.
About us
Ferndown Middle School is a vibrant and caring school serving children in Years 5–8. We pride ourselves on knowing our pupils well, setting high expectations and creating an environment where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn. Our staff work closely together, support one another and share a strong sense of purpose - and we believe that schools work best when everyone feels valued and included.
If you enjoy making sense of data, supporting others to do their best work and being part of a school where people matter, we would love to hear from you.
Visits to the School
* Contact the school office on 01202 876556 or email office@fernmid.dorset.sch.uk
Further details about the role
* Closing date: 12th January 2026
* Interview date: 22nd January 2026
* Email: recruitment@southern.education
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders ActROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
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