VACANCY INFORMATION PACKMIS AND DATA MANAGER FULL TIME INTRODUCTIONReading Blue Coat School is a leading independent day school for students from ages 11 to 18. As at September 2025, the Schoolhas circa 800 students and is now into our second year of co-educational intake into Year 7 with the intention of being a fullyco-educational independent day school from September 2027 onwards. The School will continue to be co-educational between theages of 16 and 18. The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company, and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital.The School was established near St Mary’s Minster Church in Reading and was originally known by its historic name of Aldworth’sHospital. In 1947, Reading Blue Coat School moved to the magnificent estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire village of Sonning,where it remains today.The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and concern within the community andenabling all students to develop their full potential. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which eachstudent can realise his or her full intellectual, physical, and creative potential. Students are encouraged to be self-reliant and adaptable,and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding of the needsof others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and co-curricular activities that combine to meet these objectives.The School employs more than 200 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic. Reflecting the character of our co-educational sixth form, nearly half of our academic staff are female.FACILITIESReading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of Sonning. It is also three miles fromTwyford, which is located on Crossrail, with fast train service across London. Set in 46 acres of land for students to enjoy,the facilities are very well maintained, and the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructureof buildings. Planning permission has been obtained for a new Performing Arts Centre.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 2ACADEMIC LIFEThe academic curriculum at Reading Blue Coat is based on the principle that all students should experience a broad and balancedrange of basic subjects and skills. From Year 9 onwards, this range is gradually modified, by elements of choice, enabling both theinterests and aptitudes of individual students to be reflected. Most lessons are taught initially in classes of mixed ability,although setting occurs in Mathematics in Year 7, in Languages in Year 8, and Science in Year 9. Geology is also a thriving subject.In Year 11, all students take qualifications in English, Maths and Science (all IGCSE) and a Modern Foreign Language. They also takethree GCSEs from a broad range of eleven subjects. All students take a GCSE in Religious Studies (full course) in Year 10.In the Sixth Form students can choose from a range of 24 subjects, including subjects most will not have studied before, such asEconomics, Politics and Psychology. Enrichment opportunities in the Sixth Form include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),and a weekly schedule of visiting speakers. Reading Blue Coat always seeks to stretch and challenge students and the School’sLearning Support Department ensures that students with specific learning needs are supported effectively. The School’s LearningResearch Group ensures a sustained focus on developing teachers and pedagogical enrichment.2025 academic results were impressive; the results were Blue Coat’s best ever results with 84% achieving A*- B at A level, and atGCSE 82% gaining Grades 9 to 7.The majority of Year 13 leavers proceed to degree courses at universities of which approximately 78% go to the Russell GroupPlus universities. Each year over 75% of our students attain places at their first choice university, whilst others are successful insecuring future learning opportunities in their chosen career.PASTORALPastoral care, focused on the individual, is at the heart of the School. Reading Blue Coat’s pastoral structure is based around thetutorial system, within the framework of the House system. In September 2021, we increased our houses from four to six:Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood and West. All students are part of a tutor group that is overseen by a member of staff who is responsible for their well-being and for personallyoverseeing the development of their character and intellectual curiosity. At the heart of the School are the values of aspiration,courage, compassion, integrity and service and all activities seek to re-enforce these. The House system enables students to takepart in activities that foster the development of these ideals through a variety of opportunities that include dance, drama, music,public speaking and sport.DRAMA, MUSIC & THE ARTSReading Blue Coat has a reputation for drama and musical performances of the highest quality, with an extensive programme ofperformances throughout the year. Students’ endeavours in the arts are highly successful and widely acclaimed, including internationally.Music is at the heart of the School, all students are auditioned for the choir and many learn a musical instrument. The School Musicalor Play is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar and there are further opportunities to perform on stage throughout theacademic year. The breadth and depth of musical and dramatic talent at the School is evident in the wide range of plays, concerts,and exhibitions that take place throughout the year.READING BLUE COATBACKGROUNDPage 3SPORTThe School has a strong reputation for the high quality of its sporting teams. Sport plays a key role in developing every student’spotential whist embodying the principles of Respect, Belief, Commitment and Sportsmanship (team RBCS). Sports are coached to avery high level while providing for, and encouraging those, for whom participation rather than excellence is important.The core sports are athletics, cricket, football, netball, hockey, rowing, and rugby. The School competes with great success at local,regional, and even national level. We have recent national competition winners in rowing and cross country running, and cricketers,netballers and rugby players who have been selected to international age group teams and gone on to play professionally.Other sports on offer include cross country, golf, tennis, swimming, and touch rugby.ACTIVITIESThe activities programme is designed to enable students to develop practical and social skills such as communication, leadership, andteamwork. Reading Blue Coat offers a number of exciting options from which students can choose for their weekly activitiessession, including Adventure Education, Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme,Model United Nations and Enterprise Champions.COMMUNITYReading Blue Coat students are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world and to show consideration for all thosewith whom they come into contact. These principles are based on the ideas handed down by Richard Aldworth who founded theSchool in 1646.In recent years the School has greatly enhanced its links with the wider community under what is now called the Aldworth Partnership.One example is the Primary Schools Placement programme which gives students the opportunity to assist with tuition in English, Mathsand Modern Foreign Languages in local primary schools. We also have our own community garden which produces fresh produce for alocal foodbank charity and our students have recently begun a project to convert a horse trailer into a community café. Internationally the School has a strong relationship with the charity Brass for Africa and our students support their work amongstdisadvantaged children and young people in Uganda through music. As the Aldworth Partnership continues to grow, the long-termaim is that all Blue Coat students have the opportunity to be involved in transformative service projects in the local and widercommunity at some point in their school career.READING BLUE COATFurther information is available on the School’s website at www.rbcs.org.ukBACKGROUNDPage 4THE DEPARTMENTIT SERVICES AND SUPPORT The department is responsible for the provision and operation of IT services throughout the School.This includes: Hardware Software Data Network – Fixed and Wireless Systems and Data Security Telecommunications – Voice and WAN Managed Print/Copy CCTV Door Access Presentation AV Teaching and Learning AV Digital Signage Cashless catering Budgets  Resources include:Servers - 2 host VMWare Server Farm plus vSAN Client Computers - 450 Endpoints comprising desktops, laptops and Surface Pro’sAn extensive LAN covering the 46 acre campus via a fibre backboneRO2 Internet connectivityClustered perimeter firewallsA managed print/copy fleet of 50 multifunctional devices (Ricoh) An IT budget of approximately £200k operating expenditure and £60k capital expenditure annuallyThe School runs a Microsoft environment based on Windows Server technology and Windows 11 clients. Endpoints are managedwith Microsoft Intune.  The IT systems are modern and constantly evolving to be delivered across campus. A comprehensive set of services are alsoaccessible from off-campus, via a range of technologies, to enable staff and students to teach and learn at any time, from anywhere. The department presently consists of 5 full time staff working year round: IT Services and Support Manager  MIS & Data Manager MIS Degree Apprentice Network Manager 2nd Line Support Analyst  Investment in the IT infrastructure and services are ongoing and evolve as new technologies are adopted to improve the teaching,learning and operations of the School. The School works with a number of partners where additional expertise is required and canadd value.    Alongside core IT services, the team are also responsible for the School’s audio-visual, telecommunications, managed print/copy,CCTV, door access and catering systems. In addition, the department is involved in the design, specification and delivery of theseservices across the School’s new building and renovation projects. The School has over 450 fixed and mobile end-client devices from a variety of vendors including Lenovo, HP and Microsoft.Servers are virtualised using VMware running on HP Proliant servers and augmented with a vSAN. All equipment sits on a network builtusing HP/Aruba ProCurve switches and Aruba Access Points interconnected with a combination of fibre optic and copper technologies.  This post is key to the successful running of the School, having a holistic view of the software and platforms used for Teaching andLearning and Operational Management of the organisation used by our whole community - students, teachers and support staff.The MIS & Data Manager reports directly to the IT Services and Support Manager and will work closely with members of theSenior Leadership Team and Academic Administrators.Page 5IT SERVICES AND SUPPORT The role combines elements of Business Systems Analysis, Systems Integration and Systems Administration and will suit an ITprofessional with experience in one or more of these areas in an enterprise environment. You will be involved in the full life cycle ofstrategic systems from initial identification of products and systems, evaluation, deployment, and training of staff users. A significanteffort is made to identify opportunities to fully exploit the software the School has invested in wherever possible, or to identifywhen multiple systems can be consolidated by moving to new platforms, whilst always being conscious of maximising our returnon investment.As with many enterprises of our size a number of our core systems run on premises, thus requiring good technical expertise.The School is increasingly leveraging cloud based platforms and an understanding of how to securely manage, interlink and exploitthese data sets is critical. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will have had some practical exposure to key cloud computingplatforms such as Azure and AWS. Our systems are all 3rd party, so the ability to create excellent working relationships withvendors is crucial, as is negotiating with potential new suppliers.   At the centre of it all is the school’s Management Information System, iSAMS. Many other systems are linked to this and driven by it,so these links are crucial to the smooth running of the School. The successful candidate will serve as the technical lead for thissystem and will be key liaison for the School in its relationship with the supplier.  The senior members of the team are skilled staff with a wealth of experience from large enterprise environments.     Principle Systems that you will support: Management Information System (iSAMS) Cashless Till System (Civica) Parent Payment System (ParentPay) Parent Portal (My School Portal) Parent Communication (Schoolpost) Office 365 SharePoint and MS Teams SOCS Nova / Timetabler (working with the academic Timetabler) THE DEPARTMENTPage 6For an informal telephone conversation about the role, contact Barry Hines, IT Services and Support Manager, via email bjh@rbcs.org.ukMAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST  The MIS and Data Manager reports directly to the IT Network and Support Manager and will work closely with members of theSenior Leadership Team and staff involved in the academic administration of the School, as well as supporting the successful day today running of the School. The role combines elements of Business Systems Analysis, Systems Integration and Systems Administration. The post holder isinvolved in the full life cycle of strategic systems from initial identification of products and systems, evaluation, deployment, andtraining of staff. A significant effort is made to identify opportunities to fully exploit the software the School has invested inwherever possible, or to identify when multiple systems can be consolidated by moving to new platforms, whilst always beingconscious of maximising our return on investment.  This position is ideal for a dynamic and ambitious individual who is enthusiastic about all things data. The post holder is thetechnical lead for the School’s Management Information System, iSAMS, providing technical support for staff, students and parents,setting up and maintaining report cycles and in-depth data analysis.   We are looking for a candidate who will establish efficient ways of organising, storing and analysing data, with attention to securityand confidentiality. They will be able to fully grasp the complexity of data management, have a strong understanding of databasesand data analysis procedures, be tech-savvy and possess excellent troubleshooting skills. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.Operational Management Support and develop the Management Information Systems that underpin the operation of the School both on-premises andcloud based. Look for ways to improve operational processes within the School by identifying and implementing new systems. Review incoming IT support issues and prioritise them according to the School’s escalation criteria. Contribute to the resolution of failures in systems whilst maintaining good communication with all staff within the School sothat all are aware of the issues and when they will be resolved. Liaise with 3rd party vendors to resolve issues in systems. Maintain excellent working relationships with them. Create and coordinate a list of annual iSAMS tasks with guidance for all iSAMS users, with particular emphasis on end-of-year procedures. Import and export data as required between systems, including the timetable. Integrate and explore the use of any unused features in iSAMS, if deemed beneficial to the operation of the School. LINE MANAGERIT Services and Support ManagerDEPARTMENTIT Services and SupportDIRECT REPORTSNone CONTRACT STATUSPermanent full-time contract to commence in January 2026 or as soon aspossible thereafter. The first 6 months’ of service is served as aprobationary period.SALARYIn the range of £40,000 to £45,000 per annum depending on experienceand qualifications. Annual salary is paid by bank transfer on the 25th of themonth, or next working day thereafter, in 12 equal payments throughoutthe year.ROLE DESCRIPTIONMIS AND DATA MANAGER  Page 7ROLE DESCRIPTIONSupport the Timetabler with arrangement of internal and mock exams.Setup student Options for Year 7, 8 9 and 11.Work with the deputy head academic to setup and maintain student report cycles, create and modify report templatesconfigured in SSRS and generated from iSAMS data, then uploaded to the parent portal.2.Process management Design and apply a simple process to manage configuration and change within the School.  Maintain a structured approach to rolling out new hardware or software, including procurement, testing and assessing the needsfor user training.  Ensure the preparation and maintenance of documentation, manuals and user notes.  Support and monitor the School’s Helpdesk Management System (Freshdesk).  3.Strategic management Advise and inform the Bursar and Senior Leadership Team on technical issues as part of the decision-making process fortechnical direction and procurement of new systems. Maintain and monitor the integrity of the School’s electronically held information by performing regular reviews and testing ofthe back-up systems, disaster recovery planning and input into the Business Continuity Plan where appropriate and informing theSchool of required changes and enhancements to continually improve the School’s recovery position. Contribute to the School’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance approach and policies with contributionsfrom the Network Manager and in support of the IT Services & Support Manager.  4.Project Management Effectively implement and manage the delivery of IT systems projects based on a broad and  detailed knowledge of the currentand emerging technologies that will improve the operational processes throughout the School. 5. Training Train staff in the use of applications. Ensure the level of training is not only adequate but of a high standard for all stakeholders. Mentor IT apprentice. 6.Financial Management Ensure ICT in the School is best value and fit for purpose. Maintain excellent working relationships with 3rd party vendors and service partners to provide excellent levels of service toand value for money to the School. 7. Production and Utilisation of Value-Added DataTo arrange for the sitting of MIDYiS, YELLIS and ALIS by students in Years 7, 9 and 12.To be responsible for prompt analysis and distribution of the data on its receipt by the School.To liaise with the Directors of Section and Heads of Years as well as the Head of Learning Support so that they receive theanalysis in a manageable and comprehensible state (as directed by the Deputy Head - Academic).To liaise with Heads of Departments so that they receive value-added data in a manageable and comprehensible state(as directed by the Deputy Head - Academic).To develop the production and use of value-added data, in conjunction with the Directors of Section and the Head ofLearning Support, as is required and as new technologies and methods come on stream.To facilitate the use of all academic data for the purposes of marketing the school and for inclusion within information requiredby the Independent Schools Inspectorate.Utilise tools including SSRS and Power BI to produce reports and dashboards to support departments across the School.Developing data visualisation tools for use by SLT and Governors.8. Other duties Comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection & safeguarding, health and safety, welfare, security,confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.  Actively support the School’s Equal Opportunities policies. Promoting, protecting and safeguarding the students at the School. Using technical and operational knowledge to ensure a safe environment. Please note that this Job Description is not exhaustive and the employee may be expected to undertake additional dutiesif required. Page 8MIS AND DATA MANAGER  MIS AND DATA MANAGERThe person specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. It is expectedthat the successful applicant will have and can demonstrate: PERSON SPECIFICATIONKnowledge And Experience EssentialDesirableGood knowledge of Data Analysis, Business Process Analysis and Systems Analysis. xExcellent knowledge and understanding of managing large scale educational networks. xGood knowledge of Database systems, especially SQL Server. xReport creation with SQL Server Reporting Services and Visual Studio.xExperienced with Microsoft Power BI.xExperienced with Microsoft PowerShell. xGood knowledge of supporting and maintaining SharePoint environments (O365). xExperienced with Microsoft Office 365. xExperienced in working with Windows Server.xExperience of supporting Windows 10/11. xEnterprise procurement experience to achieve best value and maximise capital budget. xAdvanced level of Microsoft Excel skills and data manipulation. xKnowledge of designing and implementing innovative School reporting.xPage 9MIS AND DATA MANAGER  Skills and AttributesEssentialDesirableHighly motivated with strong personal drive.xAffable, enthusiastic and energetic personality.xFlexible mind-set, willing and able to tackle a variety of tasks within the School’s ICTenvironment.xProactive, able to use own initiative and an effective problem solver.xStrong organisational skills to prioritise work and manage time effectively, particularly whenunder pressure. xCommitted to providing a high standard of service. xAbility to know when to escalate to 3rd party vendors. xExcellent communication skills. xSelf-confident.xCompleter – follows through on tasks to ensure effective completion.xAttention to detail. xCommitment to the ethos of the School and its pastoral approach. xWillingness to work occasional evenings/weekends as required.xPERSON SPECIFICATIONPage 10MIS AND DATA MANAGER  Qualifications EssentialDesirableA good Honours degree.xRecognised professional qualification in IT.xMicrosoft certified professional or industry equivalent accreditation.xMembership of the BCS or equivalent professional body. xPERSON SPECIFICATIONClosing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 6 October 2025.Applications should be submitted using the School’s Employment Application Form, which can be downloaded from ourwebsite “Vacancies” page www.rbcs.org.uk/vacancies/This should be submitted with your letter of application, by email to: recruitment@rbcs.org.uk Contact for questions about the application process should be addressed to Mrs Inga Gregory, Director of HR, Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, RG4 6SU.Email: recruitment@rbcs.org.ukPage 11MIS AND DATA MANAGER  PLACE OF WORKReading Blue Coat School,  Sonning on Thames, Berkshire.MEALSLunch and refreshments are providedfree by the School.SPORTS FACILITIES Free membership of the SchoolSports Centre with access to fullyequipped gym and swimming pool.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE Confidential independent support serviceavailable to staff when you most need it.WORKING HOURS·    Full-time, from 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, with 30-minute meal break, all year round. Additional hourswill be required for the delivery ofco-curricular activities; school events; openevenings; parents’ evenings; etc.PARKINGFree Car parking is available on site.LEAVE ENTITLEMENT30 days’ paid annual leave, three days ofwhich must be retained to cover theSchool closure period between Christmasand New Year each year, plus 8public holidays. Holiday year runs from1 September to 31 August annually.CYCLE SCHEMETax-free Cycle to Work Scheme isoffered by salary sacrifice.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTStrong commitment to  support professional development  with a dedicated people  development budget.PENSIONMembership of the RBCS Group PersonalPension Scheme (employee contribution of5% of salary and employer contribution is8% of salary. Life Assurance at 2x grosssalary.CAR SCHEMELeased cars scheme offered  by salary sacrifice affording  large savings.THE BLUE COAT BENEFIT HUBThrough the Blue Coat Benefit Hub youcan access discounts, rewards, andperks on thousands of the brands thatyou love to shop with including travel;motoring; electronics; clothing;education; entertainment; restaurants;health and wellness; beauty and spa;insurance; sports and outdoors.BENEFITSReduction in RBCS school fees for employees’ children school fees offered after 6 months service:50% reduction for all full time staff  (pro-rated for part time staff).Fees (from September 2025)  are £8,279 per term.Full details and terms and conditions of employment will be issued when an offer of employment is made.Page 12MEET THE STAFFGETTING HEREAll staff, both teaching and support, form part of a qualified and experiencedteam, which functions at its best in being mutually supportive in a common goal:to provide the best possible education for all Blue Coat pupils.Relationships between staff and pupils at Blue Coat are often remarked upon byvisitors and parents for being warm, relaxed and mutually respectful. Click on the link to find out more about some of our staff. Can you see yourselfas part of the Blue Coat team?www.rbcs.org.uk/the-school/meet-the-staff/BY CARWe are located in the village of Sonning-on-Thames, just off the A4,between Reading and Twyford.We are about 15 minutes’ drive from Junction 10 of the M4motorway. From there, take the Reading / Bracknell turnoff atJunction 10 on to the A329M to Reading. At the roundabout by theflyover take the third exit (A4) towards Maidenhead. Follow thedual carriageway over the next roundabout and up the hill. Overthe railway bridge, turn left into Sonning Lane. The School is about½ mile on the left.BY BUSThe School and village of Sonning is served by local bus services 128and 129 (operated by Courtney) from Reading to Wokingham.Also by service 850 (operated by Arriva Bus) from HighWycombe, Marlow, Henley, Twyford to Reading. Alight atthe junction of Sonning Lane and Bath Road, from where it isa short walk.BY TRAINOur nearest rail links are at Reading central station (mainlineto London, Wales and the West), which is about 5 milesfrom the School (about 15 minutes by taxi). We are also served by local stations at Twyford, which isabout 3 miles away (about 10 minutes by taxi), and at Earley,which is about 4 miles away (about 15 minutes by taxi).For information, call Reception: 0118 944 1005Page 13ONE READING BLUE COATour communityHolme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire RG4 6SUTel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk