Hurstpierpoint College - Cover and Academic Administration Assistant

Summary

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a meticulous and highly organised Cover and Academic Administration Officer. This is a central role that keeps the academic life of the College running smoothly day to day.

Detail

About this Role

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a meticulous and highly organised Cover and Academic Administration Assistant to join our Academic Administration team.

The primary responsibility of this role is the administration and coordination of staff cover arrangements across the College. You'll receive full training in the College's cover systems and processes, making sure that lessons and activities remain appropriately staffed when colleagues are absent. Alongside this, you'll support a range of academic administration, including timetable maintenance, room bookings, parents' evenings and pupil data management.

The role reports to the Director of Academic Administration and works closely with teaching staff, Heads of Department and senior leaders across the College.

Working at Hurst

Hurst is one of Britain's leading independent schools, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for both pupils and staff. With almost 1,300 pupils across our Senior and Prep Schools, we combine academic ambition with a strong sense of community and a rich co-curricular programme.

Hurst is a place of genuine momentum. From the classroom to the sports field, and the theatre to the boarding house, life here is rich, varied, and relentlessly rewarding.

Ours is a community that sets its sights on excellence – not as a destination, but as a daily habit. The people who thrive here are those who bring the same ambition, resilience, and commitment that we ask of our pupils.

You'll enjoy working in a stunning rural setting while remaining well-connected. We're just 20 minutes from the city and beaches of Brighton & Hove, and London is under an hour away by train. We also offer a vast range of staff benefits, including free meals during term time, use of our exceptional sports facilities, access to wellbeing initiatives, and extensive opportunities for professional development.

This isn't just a job. It's a commitment to something bigger. For the right person, there is nowhere more exciting to be.

The Role

Cover Administration:

• Administer daily staff cover arrangements for both the Prep and Senior Schools.
• Coordinate and communicate teaching cover requirements arising from planned and unplanned staff absences.
• Liaise with teaching staff, Heads of Department and senior leaders to ensure appropriate cover arrangements are in place.
• Assist with the administration of longer-term cover arrangements.
• Develop expertise in the College's timetable and information system (iSAMS) to support efficient cover allocation.
• Monitor cover patterns and provide information and reports when required.

Academic Administration:

Alongside cover, you will support a wide range of academic administration as a member of the team. This will include:

• The creation of sets, classes and pupil subject-choice lists, and subsequent updates.
• The annual production of the academic timetable, and its management and maintenance throughout the year.
• The administration of room bookings.
• Assisting the Examinations Office as required, including gathering and distributing information in the run-up to public examinations and on results days.
• The administration of the summer internal exams for both the Prep and Senior Schools.
• The administration of information events, such as the Sixth Form choices morning.
• The administration of parents' evenings throughout the College.
• Answering incoming telephone calls.
• Other ad hoc tasks as required by the Deputy Head (Academic) and the Director of Academic Administration.

You'll work extensively with iSAMS and Excel, and use Outlook, Teams and iSAMS to keep parents, pupils and staff informed.

Who We're Looking For

• Reliable and punctual.
• Aware of the need for confidentiality and discretion.
• Good communication skills and able to impart information to others.
• Able to prioritise many different tasks.
• A high degree of computer literacy and an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• A meticulous approach to work and an eye for detail.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, but also capable of organising your own time and working independently on your own initiative.
• Professional and organised, even when under pressure.
• Self-motivated, with a flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Previous experience of working on a school database would be highly desirable, although full training will be given.

Hours and Holidays

• Full-time, term time only plus 10 days.
• 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, with one hour (unpaid) for lunch.
• Occasional Saturday mornings to support Open Mornings and College events, with time off in lieu given.

What We Offer in Return

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Free dining and refreshment facilities during term time.
• Free on-site parking and use of our sports facilities, including the gym and swimming pool.
• Contributory BUPA health insurance, an on-site Mind Clinic and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• An engaging and collaborative environment in a busy, supportive team.
• Extensive professional development programmes, together with career opportunities across the College and Hurst Education Trust.
• And a host of other excellent benefits.

Hurstpierpoint College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.