At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School by managing a busy diary and coordinating key events.
- Company: Join the prestigious Oxford High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Term time role with opportunities for growth and extensive training.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a dynamic school environment, making a real difference in education.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy, people-focused setting.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 44800 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced EA, PA, Office Manager or senior Administrator who is confident operating in a busy, people‑facing environment to play a key role supporting the Head of Oxford High School.
As Executive Assistant to the Head, you will play a central role in the smooth running of the Head’s office and the wider school. You will manage a busy and complex diary, coordinate meetings, correspondence, briefings, visits and follow‑up actions, and act as a trusted first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumnae and external partners. Much of the role is about anticipating what is needed, protecting the Head’s time and ensuring that communication from the Head’s office is warm, professional, timely and well judged.
You will also take responsibility for key operational and governance processes that help the school run effectively. This will include leading the planning of the school calendar, coordinating major meetings and events, supporting admissions, HR, bursary and compliance administration, maintaining confidential records and acting as Clerk to the Governors. This is a term time only role, with 4 additional weeks to be worked during school holidays as required and especially at exam results times.
About You
You will be a highly organised and proactive EA/PA or senior administrator, with experience of supporting leaders in a busy, complex environment. Calm under pressure and confident managing competing priorities, you will bring excellent diary, calendar and administrative skills, strong communication, sound judgement and absolute respect for confidentiality. You will be comfortable working with senior leaders, governors, staff, pupils, parents and external contacts, and ideally have experience in a busy school or similarly service‑driven setting. With strong ICT skills, attention to detail and experience organising meetings and events, you will be motivated by playing a trusted, central role in the smooth running of school life.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Free school lunches
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Safeguarding Statement
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Executive Assistant to the Head – School Governance & Diary employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Oxford High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With a supportive work culture, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including training grants and discounts for staff children, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant educational environment in the historic city of Oxford. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic school setting.
Contact Details:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head – School Governance & Diary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oxford High School through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent news. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the school community, so bring that passion to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've managed complex diaries or coordinated events in the past. We love to see how you handle busy environments!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the position can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head – School Governance & Diary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and supporting leaders in busy environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Oxford High School. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities and maintained confidentiality in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As the first point of contact for various stakeholders, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate warmly and professionally. We love seeing candidates who can convey their thoughts clearly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Executive Assistant to the Head. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing a complex diary and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles. Discuss your methods for staying organised and how you ensure that communication is timely and professional. This is crucial for a role that requires a high level of organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
As the first point of contact for various stakeholders, it’s important to show that you can communicate effectively with pupils, parents, and staff. Prepare to discuss situations where you’ve built strong relationships or resolved conflicts, highlighting your warm and professional approach.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school’s governance processes or how the Head prefers to work with their EA. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
