At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Headteacher and lead the school admin team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join John Ferneley College, a vibrant community focused on education and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal and professional growth within our Trust.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of the school, making a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 28542 - 30579 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional PA and Office Manager to provide high-level, confidential support to the Headteacher and lead our busy school administration team. This key role is at the heart of the school, ensuring the smooth running of leadership, communication, and operational processes. You will act as a trusted gatekeeper, a professional representative, and an organisational anchor within a fast-paced secondary school environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide proactive PA support to the Headteacher, including diary management, meeting coordination, and preparation of briefing materials.
- Act as the first point of contact for staff, parents, governors, and external agencies, ensuring a professional and solutions-focused response.
- Lead and supervise the school administration team, ensuring high standards and efficient processes.
- Oversee the school's central inbox, triaging enquiries and ensuring timely responses.
- Coordinate key school events such as Open Evenings and Parents' Evenings.
- Produce high-quality written communications, reports, and correspondence.
- Support recruitment administration, safeguarding compliance, and accurate MIS updates.
- Work collaboratively with Trust colleagues and external partners.
About You
- Has recent experience in a busy administrative environment.
- Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person.
- Is highly organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities.
- Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and absolute discretion.
- Builds strong working relationships and leads others effectively.
- Is committed to our Trust values of collaboration, inclusion, and ambition.
Experience in education, safeguarding procedures, or school MIS systems (e.g., Bromcom) is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work collaboratively across the school and help deliver a high-quality service.
- An extensive and personalised professional development programme to help you achieve your own goals.
- A great sense of community and range of opportunities for staff and students.
- Opportunities to develop your career within our growing Trust.
- High-quality continuous professional development throughout the year.
- Career progression opportunities within the Trust.
- Occupational sick pay, maternity, and paternity pay.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Free eye care tests.
- On-site parking.
- Employee wellbeing schemes.
- Accessible central services including HR, finance, and IT.
Further Information
- Annual salary: Grade 9 £28,542 - £30,579.
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- Term time plus INSET plus 2 weeks (41 weeks).
- Closing date: 9am, Monday 1st June 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
Mowbray Education Trust embraces and welcomes diversity and equality. Mowbray Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all those working within the Trust to share this commitment. All roles are subject to full pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check.
Headteacher's PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray employer: John Ferneley College
John Ferneley College is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing extensive professional development opportunities tailored to your career aspirations. Located in a supportive educational environment, you will enjoy a strong sense of community while contributing to the smooth operation of the school, with benefits such as occupational sick pay, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and employee wellbeing schemes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher's PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at John Ferneley College on LinkedIn. 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 achievements. We want to see how you can align with their mission and contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past, especially in a busy environment like a school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher's PA and Office Manager at John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Headteacher's PA and Office Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in busy administrative environments and showcase how you embody the Trust values of collaboration, inclusion, and ambition.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication, both written and verbal, be sure to demonstrate your clear and professional communication style in your application. Use examples that reflect your ability to handle enquiries and produce high-quality written communications.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:As an organisational anchor, it’s crucial to show off your ability to manage competing priorities. Include specific instances where you've successfully coordinated events or managed schedules, as this will resonate well with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Ferneley College
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Headteacher's PA and Office Manager. Familiarise yourself with diary management, meeting coordination, and the importance of being a professional representative. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves clear communication with staff, parents, and external agencies, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. Think about times when you resolved conflicts or provided solutions to problems, as these will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced environment of a school.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is key for this position. Bring along a portfolio showcasing your past work, including any reports or correspondence you've produced. Discuss specific tools or methods you use to manage competing priorities, as this will highlight your proactive approach to organisation.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
As you'll be leading the school administration team, it's crucial to convey your leadership experience. Prepare to discuss how you've motivated and managed a team in the past, focusing on collaboration and inclusion. This will show that you align with the Trust's values and can foster a positive working environment.
