Vacancies

Job Vacancies At The Ryleys

The Ryleys School is an inclusive, equal opportunities employer that considers all applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of individual background or circumstance.

Procedure for Application

Applications should be made using the application form below and forwarded with a letter of application to the Headteacher.

References will be required for those candidates considered for the shortlist.

APPLICATION FORM EMAIL APPLICATION

School Business Manager / Bursar

The Ryleys School is a highly successful independent preparatory School located in the heart of Cheshire. We provide a perfectly balanced education for children of the 21st century by combining high academic standards along with an outstanding personal development and extra-curricular programme. We are proud of the friendly and nurturing environment where each child feels valued and important, and we recognise that this is delivered by ensuring the whole staff community shares a common goal. All our team, whether employed in an administrative or teaching role have the happiness and success of our pupils at the centre of all they do.

We are currently looking for a new School Business Manager / Bursar to join the team from September 2025. This exciting role is pivotal to our ongoing success and as a key member of the Senior Leadership team you will support the delivery of the strategic aims of the School.

Responsible directly to the Headteacher, the School Business Manager oversees the smooth running of the non-teaching aspects of the school including financial management, health and safety, HR, IT, premises and administration. As a senior leader, the successful candidate will be good with people, inspirational, far-sighted and innovative.

This is an exciting career opportunity. Your experience may well be from within the education sector or from other backgrounds. You must be able to demonstrate a strong financial ability with proven planning, control, and reporting skills, be comfortable carrying out a range of tasks and duties across the school, enjoy having a varied range of responsibilities, and recognise the importance of excellence across the remit.

We can consider flexible working arrangements if required, including hybrid working and term time plus contracts.

Job overview
Strategic Leadership and Management:
•   To participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), leading in the area of support services and helping to resolve problems, promoting effective management and strategic leadership.
•   To provide leadership and guidance for support staff, including direct line management responsibility where appropriate.
•   To have responsibility for refining/reviewing the administration of the school and for strategic planning to ensure the most effective use of financial and other resources to support the aims and objectives of the school.
•   To assist the Headteacher with formulating and developing school needs, action planning, priorities, policies and procedures, office protocols ensuring these are communicated to staff and consulted on as appropriate.
•   To ensure that the school has a strategy and policy for using technology (including contingencies in case of technology failure), aligned to the overall vision and plans for the school, ensuring value for money.

Financial Management:
•   To advise the Headteacher and Governors on investment and financial policy, preparing appraisals for particular projects and responsible for the development of a long term financial strategy for the future development of the school.
•   To prepare the annual budget for consideration by the Headteacher and Governors, including recommendations on fee and remuneration changes.
•   To prepare the statutory accounts for annual audit.
•   To obtain agreements of budgets, to monitor, and carefully control accounts against budgets.
•   To use financial management information, especially benchmarking tools, to identify areas of relative spend, assess trends and directly advise the Headteacher accordingly.
•   To be responsible for all VAT related requirements of the School.
•   To be responsible for the management of the school accounts, ensuring its efficient operation according to agreed procedures and controls, and to maintain those procedures and controls in line with best practice and regular review.
•   To remain up to date with regard to financial regulations and arrangements and advise the Headteacher and Governors of all relevant changes.
•   To be responsible for the procurement processes, policies and activities within the school and ensuring these meet the relevant standards.
•   To be responsible for the day to day financial operations including banking, payment of invoices, chasing monies owed to the school and payment.
•   To oversee school insurance arrangements.
•   To lead the development of income generation within the ethos of the school and ensure best value principles are adopted.
•   To attend relevant Governor meetings and present appropriate reports.

Human Resources:
•   To be responsible for payroll, benefits, and pensions administration for all school staff.
•   To be responsible for general personnel matters. Overseeing the clearance of new staff – medical checks, safeguarding (including the Single Central Register) and to issue contracts of employment.
•   To work with the Headteacher, lead and manage on personnel matters relating to all staff, including absence management.
•   To give advice on, and seek clarification on assessment of salaries, expenses, sickness and maternity procedures, redundancy and other personnel related matters.
•   To be responsible for all staff contracts and coordinate the administration for teacher recruitment ensuring effective and highly professional processes at all times.
•   To ensure staff are made aware of any new policies/amendments to policies and the importance of putting them into practice.
•   To ensure effective line management and professional development for office staff.

Premises
• To support the Site Manager with the maintenance of the school’s site and buildings, and the efficient operation of all facilities on the property.
• To oversee the sustainable and environmentally conscious management of school resources, including procurement and facilities management.

Administration
•   To lead a culture of continuous improvement across the school’s administration, working to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the school’s support services.
•   To lead and manage the administrative function, working with the school’s administrative staff to ensure the effective delivery of administrative systems and ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
•   To oversee and manage ICT coverage and resources across the site
•   To be a Clerk to the Governors

Health and Safety
•   To lead on creating a positive Health and Safety culture throughout all the School operations, working closely with the Headteacher and all other staff members to ensure this remains at the forefront of day to day life at the School.
•   To take the lead on managing the Health and Safety tracker, linking this with external recommendations and compliance checks as appropriate
•   To be accountable for all Health and Safety compliance requirements being met, including all relevant external and internal audits, checks, and maintenance.
•   Negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements as appropriate.

Candidate Personal Qualities and Experience:
We are looking for an exceptional individual who will demonstrate the following qualities:
•   Possess a track record of financial management skills developed in senior positions and preferably hold a recognised accountancy qualification
•   Have the ability to deliver a wide span of control, able to manage day-to-day operations whilst thinking and delivering strategically
•   Possess excellent inter-personal qualities, able to relate to all school stakeholders and instil confidence in the school community with empathy, tact, and discretion and have a firm but flexible approach, patience, and a sense of humour
•   Be a good and confident communicator with well-honed written and speaking skills
•   Be energetic and enthusiastic in setting and delivering key strategic and operational goals
•   Have a keen eye for what is possible and have a passion for excellence
•   Be comfortable with change, and constructive challenge, and have a collegiate approach to problem-solving
•   Have a proven track record of motivating and leading a dedicated team and understanding the need for continual improvement
•   Be willing to go the extra mile in pursuit of success and excellence
•   Be unfazed by working to deadlines, in an environment where no two days are the same
•   Be decisive, clear-thinking and confident, and be able to encourage and motivate others

Recruitment Process
A CV and covering letter should be submitted to the Headteacher at reception@theryleys.com. If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete the school’s official application form.

Closing date for applications: 21st April
Interview for shortlisted candidates: 2nd May

This will be an interview alongside a short skills test and the opportunity for a school tour.
Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Part Time, Prep School Teaching Assistant

All employees at The Ryleys School share our common goal to provide an outstanding education and opportunities which inspire pupils and nurture individual talents in an environment which celebrates diversity. Whether employed in an administrative or teaching role, the happiness and success of our pupils is at the centre of all we do.

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and shaping the leaders of tomorrow? We would love to hear from talented and enthusiastic candidates interested in joining our team as a Part Time Teaching Assistant.

Key Responsibilities:

Assisting teachers in the planning and delivery of engaging lessons
Providing support to students to enhance their learning experience
Collaborating with colleagues to create a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment
Supporting students' social, emotional, and academic development
Contributing to the overall success and growth of The Ryleys School community

Qualifications and Skills:

Relevant experience working in an educational setting
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
A genuine passion for working with children and fostering their development
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team
Commitment to upholding the values and ethos of The Ryleys School

What We Offer:

Three mornings per week, Term Time Only, Teaching Assistant role
A supportive and inspiring work environment
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Competitive remuneration package
The chance to make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives
A vibrant and inclusive school community

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a school that values innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, supported by friendly and welcoming colleagues, and conveniently located in the heart of Alderley Edge.

The Ryleys School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate checks including an enhanced DBS clearance.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Part Time 1:1 Support Teaching Assistant, Early Years

Are you passionate about providing the very best start for all young children? We'd love to hear from you if you feel you have the patience and skills to provide valuable 1:1 support for some of our youngest pupils.

Key Responsibilities:

Providing support to students to enhance their learning experience
Collaborating with colleagues to create a stimulating and inclusive Early Years environment
Supporting pupils' social, emotional, and academic development
Communicating clearly to collegues, pupils and families to ensure seamless educational experience and happy families
Contributing to the overall success and growth of The Ryleys School community

Qualifications and Skills: