At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School by managing a busy diary and coordinating key meetings.
- Company: Join the award-winning Oxford High School, a leader in girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Term-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a central figure in a vibrant school environment, making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy, people-focused setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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.
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
- 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
For further details and to apply please click the apply button. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 14 June 2026. Interviews will take place on 22 and 24 June 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Executive Assistant to the Head in Oxford employer: GDST
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to fostering a supportive and vibrant work environment. With a strong focus on professional development and personal growth, staff benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a generous benefits package, including discounts on school fees and a Cycle to Work scheme. Working in the heart of Oxford, you will be part of a pioneering institution that values innovation in girls' education and recognises the importance of a balanced work-life approach.
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 your connections in the education sector or even those who know someone at Oxford High School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can fit into their culture and contribute to their success, so be ready to share how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you’ll be the face of the Head’s office. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as warm and professional.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing busy diaries and supporting leaders, as this is key to what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational skills and attention to detail. We want to see how you’ve successfully coordinated meetings and events in the past, so share those examples!
Be Professional Yet Warm:Since you'll be the first point of contact for many, it’s important to convey a warm and professional tone in your application. Let your personality shine through while maintaining that professionalism we value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Executive Assistant to the Head. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing a busy diary and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, 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 will highlight your ability to thrive in a busy, people-facing environment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication
As the first point of contact for various stakeholders, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve handled sensitive situations or difficult conversations in the past. This will show that you can maintain professionalism while being warm and approachable, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the school’s culture, the Head’s leadership style, or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
