Department: Direct Entry (14 – 16)
Salary: £24,316 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2261 | Closing Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025
The Opportunity
In this role, you will provide valuable administrative and clerical support that helps our Direct Entry department run smoothly and efficiently. You will play an important part in keeping data accurate, supporting decision-making, and making sure college processes are followed correctly. Your contribution will help our colleagues, parents, and students by ensuring information is well managed, clearly communicated, and always reliable.
You will also take charge of the reception area, where you will be the welcoming face of the college. From greeting visitors and signing them in, to answering calls and responding to student queries, you will help create a positive and professional first impression. You will work closely with our curriculum staff and managers, providing the essential administrative support that enables learning and classroom activities to take place successfully.
A key part of your role will be coordinating applications for the 14–16 Elective Home Educated provision, the 14–16 Skills Academy, and the Year 11 infill offer. You will act as the main point of contact, handling applications, arranging interviews, and maintaining regular communication with schools, parents, and departments about attendance, engagement, and progress.
Alongside this, you will support the department with a wide variety of office-based tasks, including word processing, minute-taking, filing, photocopying, and managing correspondence. You will also be responsible for maintaining effective systems, providing accurate information, and ensuring the department operates efficiently. Flexibility is key, as you may also be asked to assist with additional duties to support your team.
This is a great opportunity to play an important role in supporting both staff and students while developing your skills in administration and customer service. You will be at the heart of a busy and varied environment, where no two days are the same, giving you the chance to build your experience across a wide range of tasks.
About You
For this role, you will bring an organised and dependable approach, along with a positive attitude to your work. You will already have experience in an administrative role, giving you the skills and confidence to handle a wide range of tasks such as managing data, supporting meetings, and maintaining efficient systems. Accuracy and attention to detail will come naturally to you, helping to ensure information is well managed and processes run smoothly.
As the first point of contact on reception, you will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be confident when dealing with parents, visitors, staff, and students, and you'll take pride in creating a welcoming and professional first impression. Your calm and approachable manner will mean you can handle enquiries with ease, even in a busy environment.
Strong IT skills will support you in managing your workload effectively, and you'll be comfortable prioritising tasks to meet deadlines. Flexibility is also important, as you'll be happy to step in and support colleagues when needed. Above all, you will enjoy working as part of a team, contributing to shared goals, while also being capable of using your initiative to work independently when required.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
* A Level 2 qualification in Business Administration (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards this.
* GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or an equivalent Level 2 qualification).
* Previous experience in an administrative role.
Reasons to join us
* We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
* Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
* Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution
* We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
* Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
* Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
* 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
* Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
* Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
* Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
* Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
* Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
* Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
* Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
* On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
* Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
* Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:
* Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
* A range of flexible working opportunities
* Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
* Short- and Long-Term development commitments
* Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
* Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
* Reward and Recognition
* Having your voice heard at every level
* Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 5th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,316.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site gym
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person