At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head with diary management and communication, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Oundle School, a leading independent school focused on excellence in education.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be the vital link between the Head and the school community, shaping educational experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community in a beautiful market town with rich cultural life.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
Oundle School is seeking an experienced Personal Assistant to work closely with and provide a high level of professional support to the Head.
The Role
The Personal Assistant to the Head will act as the first line of contact for the Head, managing their diary and supporting their timely organisation and decision-making in conjunction with senior leaders as appropriate. A pivotal role with parents, visitors, pupils, and staff, the incumbent will demonstrate a warm and supportive style, coupled with an appropriate professional approach when interacting with all. The Personal Assistant to the Head should be prepared to be flexible in their approach and relish the opportunity to forge the effective working relationships required to deliver the requirements of this demanding role.
Hours
The normal hours of work are an average of 40 hours per week; however, flexibility to meet the requirements of the role will necessitate out of normal working hours support, as required, in this full-time position.
The School
Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent. A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.
Living in Oundle
We are fortunate in our location at the heart of a beautiful market town. School and town are part of the same community and our pupils take their place within this community, not isolated from it. The town has a spirited cultural life, with an annual international festival, literature festival, and frequent performances of nationally touring shows at the Schoolβs Stahl Theatre.
To apply
If you are excited by this opportunity, please complete and return an application form and supplement to the application before the closing date. Full details of the role, including hours of work and salary, can be found at the Application Pack and Job Description link below. Please note CV submissions cannot be accepted.
Application closing date: 9am, Saturday 31 January 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 2 February 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact: HR Department, Oundle School, The Bursary, Church Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EE Email c/o: opportunities@oundleschool.org.uk or Tel: 01832 277193.
Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known to the HR Department.
Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Recruitment Agencies
The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate will not be acknowledged or considered.
Personal Assistant To The Head in Peterborough employer: HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
Contact Detail:
HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant To The Head in Peterborough
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Oundle School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to show that weβre not just interested in the role, but also in being part of their community.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend. We need to nail our responses, especially about how we handle diary management and support senior leaders.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant To The Head in Peterborough
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role of Personal Assistant to the Head entails and how your skills match up. This will help us see that youβre genuinely interested in the position.
Tailor Your Application: Donβt just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience and skills specifically relate to this role. Highlight your relevant experience in diary management and communication, and show us how you can be a supportive presence for the Head.
Show Your Personality: While professionalism is key, we also appreciate a warm and supportive style. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've built effective working relationships in the past, as this is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre following the correct process. Plus, it shows us youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
β¨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Head. Familiarise yourself with diary management, decision-making support, and how to interact with various stakeholders like parents and staff. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
β¨Showcase Your Flexibility
This role requires a flexible approach, so be prepared to discuss examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances. Highlight situations where you successfully managed unexpected challenges or adjusted your schedule to meet urgent needs. This will show that you're ready to embrace the demands of the position.
β¨Demonstrate Warmth and Professionalism
As the first line of contact for the Head, it's crucial to convey a warm and supportive style while maintaining professionalism. Practice how you would introduce yourself and engage with different types of people. Think about how you can balance friendliness with the authority needed in a school environment.
β¨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the Head's expectations, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.