School secretaries SOC 4213

Typical tasks

• sorts, files and otherwise deals with incoming and outgoing correspondence
• types directly or transcribes letters, reports and other documents, and prints or photocopies documents as required
• maintains administrative records relating to pupils and staff, and generates statistical and other reports
• handles enquiries from parents and arranges meetings with members of staff
• undertakes reception duties for visitors, handles face-to-face and telephone enquiries and passes on messages
• orders equipment and stationery
• arranges payment of invoices, handles cash

Typical entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although many employers expect entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades, and professional secretarial courses typically require GCSEs/S grades. NVQs/SVQs in Administration are available at levels 2, 3 and 4.