About Us
Hawthorns Primary school opened in 1977, originally as a First School for children aged 5 -8. In 2015, the school expanded to become a one-form entry primary school. In February 2024, Hawthorns became the 9th school to join Schoolsworks Academy Trust. The school has its own nursery for children aged 2 -5. This provision feeds into the school and supports excellent transition and early learning experiences.
This small one-form entry primary school lies in beautiful grounds where nature is abundant and so there are plenty of opportunities for children to take their learning outdoors and we actively encourage this. We are fortunate to have our own enclosed pond area and forest school site as well as a small field and separate playgrounds.
Staff at Hawthorns are incredibly welcoming and supportive of each other. As a small team, everyone chips in to help which opens up lots of opportunities to gain new experiences. Our school is diverse and fully inclusive. We work hard to empower everyone with the skills and mind-set they need to be their best. We have a high percentage of pupils with SEND across the school and pride ourselves on the inclusive provision we offer and the close working partnerships with parents.
We are able to use our partnership with other schools in the trust to share experience and practice, and to provide opportunities for career development.
Job Details
Ref: 400104
Required: October 2025
Contract: Fixed Term for one year (maternity cover)
Hours: 24 hours per week, Actual working hours negotiable, Term Time Only
Salary: NJC Grade 5, SCP 7 – 8, £26,403 - £26,824 p.a. pro rata
Actual starting salary £14,425 p.a.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Office Administrator with Front of House duties to be the warm and welcoming face of our friendly, supportive and forward-thinking school. The successful candidate will not necessarily have previous school experience, but will be highly motivated, positive, emotionally intelligent and enthusiastic about contributing to our whole-school improvement.
Hawthorns Primary School is part of Schoolsworks Academy Trust. We have high expectations and a commitment to improve children's learning and staff expertise. We have children who are keen to learn with enthusiastic and supportive staff, community council members and parents.
The main function of the role is being the first point of contact for parents, pupils, staff and visitors by providing a friendly and professional welcome. Working together with our current Office Administrator to co-ordinate the school's Administration and ensure its effective operation in providing business services to the school to support the provision of effective teaching and learning. This includes responsibility for day to day operations relating to some local finance, HR administration, learning environment, aspects of health and safety, safeguarding and IT provision. Alongside this, the Office Administrators receive excellent back office support from the trust's Central Services Team based in Littlehampton.
Closing Date: Monday 8th September 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 10th September 2025
What You Need to Succeed
The successful candidate will:
* Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be very approachable and able to establish excellent relationships with children, staff, parents and other stakeholders.
* Have exceptional organisational, administrative and IT skills.
* Be proactive and demonstrate initiative, whilst being able to manage their time effectively.
* Have high expectations of themselves and others, be committed to achieving the best for the school, every child and every staff member, and continuously strive to achieve this.
* Be an excellent professional, team player and role model who can lead by example and will support and promote the vision of the school. Be reliable, diligent and maintain confidentiality.
* Be enthusiastic to move their learning forward by taking on relevant support, advice and training.
* Be flexible and adaptable to work with the changing needs of the school and Academy Trust.
Further Information
Hawthorns Primary School and Schoolsworks Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to successful DBS, health and qualifications checks and satisfactory references.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you are interested in applying and would like to visit the school please contact the school office via email on or Tel: We also recommend that you also visit our school website at for further information about our school.
How to Apply
Applicants should clearly state on the application form their current expertise and previous experience. Please make reference to the Personal Specification when completing the Skills and Competencies part of the application.
Completed applications should be forward to
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - Please do not select the 'Apply online' button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.
The reference number for this role is SCHO00864.
Job Reference: SCHO00864