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 for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Term time role with opportunities for career growth and extensive training.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a dynamic school environment, making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy, complex setting is essential.
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 in Oxford employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Oxford High School - GDST is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff. With a supportive work culture, competitive salaries, and extensive development opportunities, employees can thrive in a dynamic educational environment. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the school offers unique advantages such as generous benefits, including free lunches and significant discounts on fees for children, making it an attractive place for dedicated professionals seeking meaningful employment.
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 in Oxford
✨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 you to show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the school community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to managing busy schedules and handling confidential information. We know you’ve got the skills, so let’s make sure you can communicate them clearly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for supporting the Head!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head in Oxford
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 senior leaders. 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 the Head's office. Share specific examples of how you've handled busy environments and maintained confidentiality in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As the first point of contact, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate professionally and warmly. We love seeing candidates who can connect with various stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Oxford High School.
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 busy diary and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with what they need.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles. Highlight your experience in maintaining confidentiality and your ability to keep things running smoothly in a busy environment.
✨Communicate Warmly and Professionally
Since this role involves being the first point of contact for various stakeholders, practice conveying warmth and professionalism in your communication. You might want to prepare a few scenarios where you handled difficult conversations or provided excellent service to illustrate your approach.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the school's culture and operations. For example, you could ask about how the Head prefers to communicate or what challenges the school is currently facing.
