The posting
"I would say that the best thing about being a School Business Manager is that the role is very varied and there is always something new to learn. The most rewarding thing is being part of a really friendly group of staff and hopefully making a difference to the pupils, whether that is improving the building and grounds or recruiting great staff."
— Sarah Woodley, School Business Manager
Why This Role Matters
You are not merely managing administrative processes; you are a key member of our Senior Leadership Team providing the operational foundation that enables high-quality education to happen every day. Working directly alongside Headteacher Paul Thomas, you will hold strategic oversight of finance, HR, premises management, and health and safety across our 210-pupil school and 24-place nursery.
In our unique setting—co-located on the historic Bronze Barrow site alongside Springfield Special School—you will also manage joint operational procedures, ensuring both schools thrive together.
What You’ll Bring
- Operational & Financial Competence: Demonstrated experience managing budgets, procurement, and financial control systems.
- HR & People Leadership: Solid understanding of recruitment, Single Central Record (SCR) management, and line management of office and premises teams.
- Premises & Safety Oversight: Knowledge of health and safety legislation and oversight of site and capital projects.
- Analytical Mindset: Proficiency in managing complex data systems, DfE statutory returns, and GDPR compliance as Data Protection Lead.
- Values-Driven Approach: A professional, resilient approach centred on putting pupil outcomes at the heart of operational decision-making.
The Madley Brook Difference
- Varied & Meaningful Impact: Work in a dynamic role where your decisions directly improve the physical environment, staff team, and daily experience of our pupils.
- Collaborative Leadership: Join an approachable, supportive Senior Leadership Team and a staff body committed to "achieving excellence by challenging boundaries".
- A Unique Co-Located Environment: Experience a supportive collaborative structure working alongside Springfield Special School on a shared, historic site.
The RLT Connection
As part of the River Learning Trust, you are backed by a stable, mission-driven network of primary and secondary schools across Oxfordshire.
- Professional Security: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions, alongside full recognition of continuous public sector service.
- Shared Growth: Access to Trust-wide professional networks, leadership pathways, and funding support for role-specific qualifications.
- The Whole Person: Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme support, occupational health services, and flexible working arrangements. Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles. OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together. OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils. OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles. Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide. This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. If you would like to have a confidential conversation with Paul Thomas, Headteacher about the role prior to application, then please email [email protected] or telephone 01993 862976. The River Learning Trust and Madley Brook School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The River Learning Trust is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment for all staff, free from discrimination and harassment. For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link List of offences that are not filtered
