At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level admin support and manage the Headteacher's diary in a vibrant school.
- Company: Thriving school environment with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing days, free parking, and discounted leisure membership.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic school, making a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA or in admin, strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27883 - 33179 £ per year.
Salary: £33,179 per annum FTE / Actual Annual Salary £27,883 (based on 38 weeks) + Benefits
Location: Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire (SO30) – Fully Site Based
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday, 8.00am to 3.30pm Friday, Term‑time only (38 weeks)
Job Overview
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Personal Assistant to provide high‑level administrative support, diary management and confidential assistance to senior leadership within a thriving school environment. As a Personal Assistant you will act as a key point of contact, managing communications, coordinating meetings and supporting school operations with professionalism and discretion. Working as a Personal Assistant you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the Head’s office, supporting reporting, events coordination and wider administrative functions across the organisation.
Duties
- Executive Support: Provide confidential PA support to senior leadership, handling sensitive information with discretion
- Diary Management: Coordinate complex schedules, meetings and appointments to optimise time management
- Communication Handling: Act as the main point of contact, managing emails, calls and visitors efficiently
- Document Preparation: Draft and edit correspondence, reports and newsletters to a high professional standard
- Meeting Coordination: Organise meetings, prepare agendas and take accurate minutes
- Event Coordination: Support school events including open evenings, staff training days and parent meetings
- Data & Systems Management: Use school MIS systems to generate reports and maintain accurate records
- Recruitment Support: Assist with interview coordination and candidate administration processes
- Safeguarding Administration: Maintain confidential records in line with policies and procedures
- General Administration: Provide flexible support across office functions as required
Candidate Requirements
- Previous experience in a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant or administrative support role
- Strong organisational skills with proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with diary management, scheduling and correspondence handling
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
- Experience using database systems or MIS platforms
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and integrity
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in administrative tasks
- A proactive and flexible approach to supporting a busy office environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Benefits
- Friendly and sociable colleagues
- One fully paid wellbeing day per academic year
- Extended two‑week October half term (trial period)
- Free on‑site car parking
- Discounted staff membership for on‑site leisure facilities
- Access to a public sector pension scheme
- Cycle‑to‑Work scheme
- Good transport links
EEO Statement
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. They will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Personal Assistant (PA) to the Headteacher (AWDO-P14671) in Hedge End) in Southampton employer: AWD Online
Contact Detail:
AWD Online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (PA) to the Headteacher (AWDO-P14671) in Hedge End) in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and don’t be shy about asking for insights. A friendly chat can give us the inside scoop on what they’re really looking for in a Personal Assistant.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your skills match the job description, especially around diary management and communication handling. We want to show them we’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure we look professional and approachable. A smart outfit can help us feel more confident when we walk into that interview room.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate our interest in the role and remind them why we’d be an awesome addition to their team. Plus, it shows we’re proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (PA) to the Headteacher (AWDO-P14671) in Hedge End) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience match the Personal Assistant role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication, make sure your written application is clear and professional. Pay attention to grammar and spelling – it’s all about making a great first impression!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We want to see how you manage multiple tasks and priorities. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully juggled various responsibilities, especially in a busy environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD Online
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Headteacher. Familiarise yourself with diary management, communication handling, and document preparation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or complex schedules in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
As a PA, clear communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you handle emails, calls, and visitors, as well as any experience you have with drafting correspondence or reports.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, expectations for the PA role, and how they support their staff. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.