At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch support to the Head and help keep the school running smoothly.
- Company: Join a prestigious all-girls school with a rich history of empowering young women.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive community, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering curiosity and confidence in students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a vibrant educational environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
We are looking for an Executive Assistant to the Head to join our wonderful Abbey community from September 2026 onwards., Position: Executive Assistant to the Head (This position is a full-time, permanent, term time only plus two weeks, 0.8fte).
The Abbey School has been a leader in girls' education for over 130 years. For all this time The Abbey has been a strong advocate for educating young women. We continue to encourage our students to achieve outstanding outcomes in whatever field of endeavour they choose. Supporting them to make those critical decisions for themselves is a key part of our focus, ensuring that each student knows she is valued for herself. We offer a balanced mix of significant academic opportunity and pastoral support, with a wide range of options within, alongside and outside our exciting curriculum.
The Executive Assistant provides comprehensive, proactive and highly professional executive support to the Head, ensuring the efficient organisation and administration of the Head's Office. The role requires exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement, discretion and the ability to anticipate priorities in a fast-paced environment.
In addition to supporting the Head, the Executive Assistant contributes to the effective operation of the wider School, working collaboratively with the PA to the Junior School Head, the PA to the Head of Finance and Resources, and colleagues across the School to support the work of the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Council.
The Executive Assistant also plays a role in supporting the Chair of Governors, organising meetings for them and ensuring they are well informed about School events.
The Abbey School Reading is a prestigious independent day school for girls located in the heart of Reading, United Kingdom. We provide an exceptional education within a supportive and inclusive community.
The Abbey is a remarkable all-girls community of learning and brilliant experiences. It is a place of curiosity, adventurous spirits, and the excitement of discovery. We focus on individual care and attention in a warmly supportive atmosphere, full of fun and laughter. Our students have the assurance to take risks, explore interests and passions, and engage generously with the world and with each other.
Our results are outstanding, but what matters to us is how students achieve them. Our goal is to equip girls to achieve academic excellence with confidence, purpose and joy. This means providing exceptional opportunities across the widest spectrum of learning and activities. We offer more student-led learning and choice in our curriculum than almost any other school, so that students take charge of their own futures and mature into the people they mean to be.
Executive Assistant in Reading employer: Abbey School
The Abbey School in Reading is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students' academic and personal development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement, the school provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role. Join us in fostering a vibrant educational atmosphere that prioritises student wellbeing and academic success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant in Reading
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Abbey School.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Abbey School.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Abbey School.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Abbey School. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbey School
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Abbey School, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Abbey School, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Abbey School could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Abbey School as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
