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- Tasks: Support the Senior Leadership Team with administration, diary management, and meeting organisation.
- Company: Join Croydon High School, a prestigious institution with a rich history since 1874.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts for GDST schools.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly, diverse community making a positive impact in education.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a calm, professional attitude are essential; no school experience required.
- Other info: This is a part-time, term-time role with flexible hours and additional days during school closures.
The predicted salary is between 15999 - 20000 £ per year.
Employer: Croydon High School - GDST
Location: South Croydon, Surrey
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time, Term Time
Salary: £19,994pa pro-rata (£40,872pa fulltime equivalent)
Posted: 20th June 2025
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Expires: 2nd July 2025 12:00 PM
The working hours are 21.6 hours per week (over 3 days) between the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm. This is a term time only role, with some additional days to be worked during school closure periods.
The Role
If you are an organised administrator with first class interpersonal and communication skills this position offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role supporting the Senior Leadership Team at Croydon High School. In this role you will be vital to the smooth running of the school. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing the diaries of Senior Leadership Team members
- Organising their meetings and travel arrangements
- Responding to telephone calls and emails on their behalf
- Preparing documents, reports and presentation materials
- Assisting the Senior Leadership Team with the management of the systems they oversee, such as the school database
Collaboration in this role is key, as you will work with other administrative teams within Croydon High as required and particularly the Head’s Executive Assistant.
About You
Excellent organisational and administrative skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure, work to tight deadlines and maintain administrative systems and records. Proficiency in the use of various Microsoft applications and the ability to deal with callers and visitors in a calm and courteous manner is equally important. You do not require experience of working in a school, however a “can do” and calm approach and a professional attitude is essential.
Why Croydon High School?
Established in 1874, Croydon High School prides itself on its innovative approach and friendly atmosphere. The School is located in Selsdon, south of Croydon, on a beautiful campus. Croydon High is made up of students from a broad and culturally diverse range of backgrounds and the school recognises and hugely values the positive impact this has on all who teach and learn here.
Benefits
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Extensive professional development opportunities
- Training Grants For Obtaining Further Qualifications
- GDST central training and development programme
- Generous pension schemes
- Life assurance benefit
- Free school lunches
- Up to 50% discount on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase or season tickets
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Retail and lifestyle discounts
- Financial guidance and support
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
The closing date for applications is noon, Wednesday 2 July 2025.
Further information can be found in the 'Information for applicants' document below.
Safeguarding Statement
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection check appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.
PA to Senior Leadership Team employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Senior Leadership Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the Senior Leadership Team at Croydon High School. Research their recent initiatives or projects to demonstrate your understanding of their goals during any informal discussions or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your organisational skills by preparing a mock schedule or plan for managing a busy executive's diary. This will showcase your proactive approach and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of Croydon High School on LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the school culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle high-pressure situations, as the role requires maintaining calm under tight deadlines. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that illustrate your ability to manage stress effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Senior Leadership Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your organisational and administrative skills, as well as your proficiency in Microsoft applications. Include any relevant experience that showcases your ability to manage diaries, organise meetings, and handle communications effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the school. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of supporting the Senior Leadership Team and your approach to maintaining calm under pressure.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with others, managed relationships, or worked collaboratively in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a PA to the Senior Leadership Team, your organisational skills will be crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, and highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Demonstrate Communication Proficiency
Excellent communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice clear and concise responses. You might also want to prepare for questions about how you handle difficult conversations or manage communications on behalf of others.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Applications
Proficiency in Microsoft applications is essential for this position. Brush up on your skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to support administrative tasks.
✨Emphasise Your Calm Under Pressure
The ability to remain calm under pressure is vital for this role. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated stressful situations, and be ready to share these experiences to demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving abilities.
