Cover Manager and Academic Administrator

Abingdon School is seeking a Cover Manager and Academic Administrator to join the team.

Location: Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Hours: Term time plus role working 40 hours per week for 36 weeks a year

Work pattern: 07:30 -16:00, Monday - Friday

Salary: £29,256 per annum based on 0.7979 FTE

Closing Date: 18 May 2026 (9am)

Interviews: 22 May 2026

About Us:

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Cover Manager and Academic Administrator The Role:

We are looking for an exceptional administrator with excellent organisational skills to join our school in the role of Cover Manager and Academic Administrator. The holder of this post will support the work of the Academic Office, which currently comprises of the Deputy Head Academic, the Deputy Head Education Development and the Curriculum Director. In addition the role of Cover Manager supports all staff and students in ensuring staff absences are covered with appropriate allocation. This role also supports the admissions department for the planning of staff for key events.

Cover Manager and Academic Administrator - Key Responsibilities:

- Allocate cover for unplanned teaching staff absences and liaise with senior leadership regarding planned or longer-term absences

- Support exam administration including organising resit exams, invigilation scheduling and exam analysis

- Maintain updated calendars and diaries, booking rooms and managing operational changes

- Line manage common room secretaries and support their day-to-day tasks

- Keep certified absences records up to date and liaise with HR

- Send daily staff absence summaries to senior leadership

- Assist with interview days and admissions planning for key school events

Cover Manager and Academic Administrator - You:

- Strong interpersonal and team working skills with excellent communication abilities

- Highly organised with strong planning abilities and confident IT user

- Able to work in a focused, flexible manner within a busy environment, maintaining good humour

- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent, with essential aptitude for digital communication and data manipulation

- Committed to safeguarding, equity, diversity and inclusion, and to valuing children and young people

Benefits:

- You'll get 5.6 weeks holiday entitlement

- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

- Private healthcare insurance

- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes

- Free lunches during term time

- Cycle to work scheme

- Christmas closure days

- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)

- There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff

- We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff

We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.

Early applications are encouraged. We may make an appointment prior to the advertised closing or interview dates.

Closing date: Monday 18 May (9am)

Interview date: Friday 22 May 2026

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

To submit your CV for this Cover Manager and Academic Administrator opportunity please click Apply now!