EA to the Head. in Oxford

Executive Assistant to the Head – Oxford High School – GDST Location, Oxford, Oxfordshire. Permanent, full time during term time plus 4 weeks in holidays. Salary pro-rata £39,400–£44,800 per annum.

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.

About Oxford High School

Since its foundation 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education. Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network. We are proud to have recently received the Independent Girls’ School of the Year Award for 2023 and have been shortlisted for the TES School Awards Prep School of the Year 2024.

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
• 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
• 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.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 5 August 2026. Interviews will take place on 10 August, 17 & 18 August 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received. The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.