At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch PA support to the Principal and HR Lead in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Fairfield High School, part of Excalibur Academies Trust, committed to diversity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on personal growth and a dynamic work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of school operations, making a real difference every day!
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, HR knowledge, and excellent communication abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 36266 - 36266 £ per year.
Fairfield High School, part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, is looking to appoint a highly organised, professional and proactive PA to the Principal / HR Lead, to play a key role in the smooth running of the school.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have the confidence to manage competing priorities with discretion and professionalism, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities for this role are
- Provision of a full range of PA services to the Principal / Senior Leadership Team
- Manage the Principal’s diary
- Organise travel and accommodation for the Principal and SLT
- Point of contact for staff regarding HR issues
- Oversee the monitoring and reporting of staff absence
- To be responsible for the maintenance of the Single Central Record and all staff DBS checks
- To manage the recruitment process and administration for all teaching and support staff vacancies
- Manage pay for Teaching and Support Staff, eg manage pay changes, new starters & leavers ensuring a smooth and efficient process across the employee lifecycle
- Manage SIMS Personnel
- Manage all Occupational Health Referrals
- Attend regular Support Staff Managers Meetings
- Compile Permanent Exclusion paperwork as and when required
- Plan and organise internal/external meetings, ensuring the appropriate rooms, facilities and refreshments are provided
- Act as the primary point of contact for students, staff, parents, Governors and visitors who wish to contact and meet with the Principal
- Line manage the Office Manager & HR Assistant
Salary is based on NJC points 25 – 28, full time equivalent of £36,363 to £39,152, term time only plus 20 additional days, paid weeks of 48.3, increasing to 49.3 after 5 years service.
Actual salary pro rata is £33,683 to £36,266 per annum (pending pay award from 01 April 2026).
Hours of work are 37 per week, Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm and Fridays 8.00am to 3.30pm (inclusive of an unpaid 30 minute lunch break).
Start and end times can be discussed with the Principal.
Please refer to Job Description attached for a full list of duties and responsibilities and Person Spec.
We are looking for someone who
- Has a background in providing highly effective administrative support
- Has an understanding of HR practice
- Is proficient in minute taking
- Is highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Has excellent written and verbal communication skills and is personable
- Understands the importance of confidentiality, discretion and data protection
- Is adaptable, proactive and able to work independently
- Is confident using Microsoft Office 365
- Is able to multi-task
A busy and engaging role you will truly be immersed in, where no day is ever the same!
In return you will be working in an educational setting which additionally will support your personal professional development.
You will additionally be supported by Trust’s central HR team for the human resources elements of your role.
In return we can offer you the following benefits
- Local Government pension scheme
- Free parking
- Clear onboarding and professional development pathway
- Flexible working opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free confidential advice, information, and counselling service (Employee Assistance Programme)
- Onsite canteen
Safe Guarding Statement
Excalibur Academies Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
The Trust is proud to serve a diverse student and parent community.
The aims of the Trust’s recruitment policy are to ensure that the best possible staff are recruited on the basis of their merits, abilities and suitability for the position; to ensure that all job applicants are considered equally and consistently; to ensure that no job applicant is treated unfairly on any grounds including race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or religious belief, sex or sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, disability or age; and to ensure that the School meets its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people by carrying out all necessary pre-employment checks.
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PA to Principal/HR Lead in Bristol employer: Excalibur
Fairfield High School, as part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the educational experience of students. With flexible hours and a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while enjoying a culture that prioritises safeguarding and confidentiality. Join us in a location that values community engagement and fosters a sense of belonging among staff and students alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Principal/HR Lead in Bristol
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Excalibur!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Excalibur.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Principal/HR Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Excalibur. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Excalibur and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Excalibur. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Excalibur's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excalibur
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Excalibur.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Excalibur will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Excalibur and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
