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- Tasks: Provide administrative support to the Principal and senior leadership team in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Southbank International, a friendly school in Central London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a senior administrative role and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a diverse community with great career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 38000 £ per year.
About the School - Southbank International - Westminster: Southbank is a fantastic place to work - we are a friendly, happy school in Central London with a wonderful culture of support and collaboration, lovely staff and students from all around the world.
A rare opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and organised individual to join our international community as PA to the Principal of the Westminster campus, our secondary school site. We have a wonderful culture of support and collaboration and super lovely staff, students and parents. The role requires effective and clear communication skills, the ability to prioritise effectively and meet the dynamic needs of a busy tri-site campus. You will provide confidential, administrative support to the Principal and the senior leadership team. The role is also an important link between the campus and the school’s HR and Finance departments. You will need to work collaboratively in a collegial manner – this can be demonstrated through a willingness to work positively with staff, students and parents of different backgrounds and culture.
In addition, we have incredibly generous annual leave, reduced out of school session hours and other staff benefits. We will only consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK.
You will excel in this role if you are organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities with confidence. You bring excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with proven experience in a senior administrative or PA position. You are comfortable handling confidential information, building positive relationships, and representing the Principal’s office with professionalism at all times. You work well under pressure, take ownership of tasks, and use your initiative to anticipate needs before they arise. You are IT‑confident, committed to best practice, and eager to learn and develop. Above all, you have a positive attitude, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine commitment to supporting the smooth functioning of the school community.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Childcare Vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye Tests
- Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
- Generous Annual Leave and out of session hours
- School Fees Discount (conditions apply)
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Own device during employment
- Generous maternity/paternity conditions
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
PA to the Principal employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to the Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Southbank International and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your name on the Principal's radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's culture and values. Show us that you understand what makes Southbank special and how you can contribute to that positive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PA, you'll need to convey information clearly and professionally. Consider mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our fantastic team at Southbank.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to the Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: As a PA to the Principal, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve kept things running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is crucial in this role. When writing your application, be clear and concise. Show us that you can convey information professionally and that you’re comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people.
Highlight Your IT Confidence: Since you'll be handling various administrative tasks, it’s important to showcase your IT skills. Mention any software or tools you’re familiar with, and don’t forget to express your eagerness to learn new technologies!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and shows us you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Southbank!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Southbank International and Cognita. Familiarise yourself with their values, culture, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their mission of creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a PA to the Principal, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Think about specific situations where you successfully handled tight deadlines or complex tasks, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about the school's culture or the Principal's expectations, as this shows your proactive approach and willingness to engage.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Mindset
The job requires working closely with various stakeholders, so highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with colleagues, students, or parents from diverse backgrounds, showcasing your ability to work well in a team-oriented setting.
