At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch administrative support to the Senior Deputy Head in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join The Portsmouth Grammar School, a family-oriented institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with term-time hours and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your organisational and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administrative roles and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre School to Sixth Form.
The PA to the Senior Deputy Head is responsible for providing proactive, comprehensive, and confidential administrative, secretarial, and organisational support to the Senior Deputy Head. The successful candidate will have experience of a similar role within a professional environment supporting at a senior level.
This is a full-time, term-time role plus one week during school holidays, to afford time to prepare for and close out school terms. The hours of work will be 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday. The standard work pattern is 8.00am to 4.00pm, with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch.
This is a busy and varied role, and a flexible approach is essential to be able to support a dynamic workload with an occasional requirement to work outside of normal hours, for example during busy times or to organise and attend evening meetings and events.
The successful candidate will have proven administrative experience, be highly organised and able to work well independently in a busy office. A proactive and flexible approach to work is important, as is the willingness to work as part of a team. Excellent organisation skills are also essential to be able to prioritise tasks and work well within a small professional team.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to work flexibly and under pressure. They will be professional and friendly and able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills which are critical for effective communication with pupils, parents and staff across the school.
This role sits within our School Office team and as such is line managed by our School Office Manager.
Our job description for this role, linked to this advert, contains details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role and the qualifications, experience and skills we are looking for candidates to have.
How to apply: Candidates are asked to apply using the online MyNewTerm application form. Any enquiries about the role or how to apply are very welcome.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Monday 1st June 2026 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site in the week commencing 8th June with a provisional interview date of Thursday 11th June 2026.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects 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 (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are 'spent' unless they are 'protected' under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
PA to the Senior Deputy Head employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Portsmouth Grammar School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in the heart of historic Portsmouth. With a strong emphasis on professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles while enjoying a collaborative culture that values teamwork and communication. The school provides a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to the education and well-being of students, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to the Senior Deputy Head
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Portsmouth Grammar School's values, culture, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school, plus it shows your initiative and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to administrative roles. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the PA to the Senior Deputy Head, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with online processes, which is key for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to the Senior Deputy Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of PA to the Senior Deputy Head. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Organisation Skills:Since this role requires excellent organisation, give examples in your application of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. We want to see that you can handle a busy workload!
Be Professional and Friendly:Your application should reflect your interpersonal skills. Use a friendly tone while maintaining professionalism, as this is key for effective communication with pupils, parents, and staff at our school.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application using the online MyNewTerm application form on our website. It's the best way for us to receive your details and get the process rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA to the Senior Deputy Head. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values, as well as the specific skills required for the role, such as excellent organisation and communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your administrative experience and ability to work under pressure. Highlight situations where you've successfully managed a busy workload or supported senior staff, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and flexibility. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, like managing conflicting priorities or dealing with unexpected changes in a busy school environment. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves communication with pupils, parents, and staff, be prepared to discuss how you build relationships and maintain professionalism. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, showcasing your friendly and approachable nature.
