Executive Assistant to the Independent Schools Team

Location: Central Office - London

Basis: Full Time

United Learning is a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life‑changing education to children and young people across England. Central Office staff work closely with schools, offering a wealth of expertise to underpin schools’ own knowledge. Our specialist departments—HR, finance, technology, strategy and performance, estates, and marketing—work alongside dedicated school improvement teams. By joining us, you will provide ongoing support to schools, ultimately improving the outcomes of our pupils.

United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check. We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

Job Details:

• Salary: £34,515.38 - £38,829.81 (£40,000‑£45,000 FTE) per annum
• Contractual hours: 37.5
• Region: London
• Job reference: REQ005367

The Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high‑level administrative support and executive assistance to primarily the Director of Independent Schools, the Deputy Director of Independent Schools, and members of the Central Office Independent Schools team. This will include proactive diary management, management of emails, planning and booking travel, submission of expenses, and supporting relevant meetings. This is a full‑time, term‑time only role based in our London Office in London Bridge, 2‑3 days per week with the remaining days based at home if preferred. A degree of flexibility is required, and you would be expected to be in the office when the Independent Team are present and for important meetings.

About You:

• You will have significant experience of working at a Senior Executive Assistant level in a busy and demanding office and we are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write and edit written communications to all levels across the organisation.
• Confidence in working with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, including Headteachers and members of the Executive Team, influencing decisions and working practices.
• Significant experience of working at a senior Executive Assistant level in a busy and demanding office.
• Educated to A Level Standard (or equivalent), with a GCSE pass (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Excellent administrative skills, including minute taking, diary management and the ability to establish effective systems and processes.
• Proficient computer skills and in‑depth knowledge of relevant software such as MS Office Suite.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal with people at all levels within the organisation with tact and diplomacy.
• High level of initiative, efficiency and flexibility.
• Highly developed organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, multi‑task and proactively manage own workload whilst working to deadlines.
• Judgement and decision‑making ability.
• Confidentiality and discretion.
• Willingness to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative.
• Experience using AI tools to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency (desirable).

Rewards and Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• 26 days holiday.
• Occupational sick pay, protecting you and your family.
• Competitive maternity, paternity, and adoption benefits.
• Group Life Insurance Scheme.
• Westfield Health cash plan and extensive range of employee benefits for eligible staff.
• Continuous Professional Development options that will be tailored to your needs.
• A supportive team across the country.
• We are open to requests for flexible working and encourage open and regular conversations about work‑life balance.

Further Information:

This vacancy closes at midnight on Tuesday 23rd June. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a large volume of applications. Interviews – Day 1 will take place on Monday 29th June afternoon, and Day 2 will take place on Wednesday 1st July morning. For a confidential discussion about this role or the process, please contact Amy Weil via email at amy.weil@unitedlearning.org.uk. Internal applicants should submit their application via their ESS account within the Current Vacancies section. You will be required to submit a personal statement with a summary of your experience that makes you suitable for this role. There is a character limit of 4,000 characters (roughly one and a half to two sides of A4).