At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Headteacher and manage school operations for a smooth-running primary school.
- Company: Join a warm, family-oriented primary school community dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a collaborative staff team.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about supporting educational environments and making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your leadership and organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, operations, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28125 - 34375 £ per year.
About the Role We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive PA to the Headteacher and School Operations Manager to join our welcoming primary school community.
This is a key leadership support role, providing high-level confidential assistance to the Headteacher whilst overseeing the effective day-to-day operation of the school.
The successful candidate will lead administrative and operational support services, including admissions, finance administration, health and safety coordination, premises oversight and HR administration.
Working closely with the Headteacher, Trust colleagues and wider school community, you will play a vital role in ensuring the school operates efficiently, remains compliant with statutory requirements and continues to provide an excellent experience for pupils, families and staff.
Key Responsibilities Provide confidential and professional executive support to the Headteacher, including diary management, correspondence and meeting coordination.
Lead and manage the administration team, driving high standards of customer service and operational efficiency Oversee admissions processes, including in-year admissions, pupil transfers and liaison with the Local Authority Coordinate HR administration processes including recruitment, onboarding, employee records and attendance monitoring.
Manage school finance administration, including purchase orders, invoices, Parent Pay, nursery fees, breakfast and after-school club income, reconciliations and budget monitoring.
Act as the school's Health and Safety Coordinator, supporting compliance with legislation, Trust policies and statutory requirements Coordinate premises management activities and service level agreements, ensuring the effective delivery of support services.
Act as a designated key holder and respond to out-of-hours emergencies and site-related issues when required.
Build effective relationships with staff, parents, governors, Trust colleagues and external stakeholders.
Support the Headteacher in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the school.
What We Are Looking For We are looking for an ambitious and professional individual who: Has experience in a senior administrative, operations, office management or PA role.
Has experience of managing people and coordinating operational services.
Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
Has experience of financial administration, budget monitoring and income management.
Understands the importance of compliance, health and safety and safeguarding within a school environment.
Is confident working independently, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
Can build positive relationships with colleagues, pupils, parents and external partners.
Has excellent ICT skills and experience of management information, HR or finance systems.
Experience within an educational setting would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer A warm, supportive, and family-oriented primary school environment A varied and rewarding role with real impact across the school Opportunities for professional development and training The chance to work closely with school leadership and contribute to school improvement A collaborative and dedicated staff team Right to Work Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as the Trust does not hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
Safeguarding Statement Lydiate Learning Trust is strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
Posts at the Trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and any adult cautions or spent convictions that are not protected or defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) order 2020.
We comply with the Disclosure
PA to Headteacher and School Operations employer: Knotty Ash Primary School
Knotty Ash Primary School offers a nurturing and supportive environment where dedicated professionals can thrive. As an Executive PA, you will play a vital role in the school's operations, benefiting from a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. Located in the heart of Knowsley, this position provides unique opportunities to contribute to the community while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Headteacher and School Operations
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Knotty Ash Primary School!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Knotty Ash Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Headteacher and School Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Knotty Ash Primary School. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Knotty Ash Primary School and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Knotty Ash Primary School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Knotty Ash Primary School's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Knotty Ash Primary School
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Knotty Ash Primary School.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Knotty Ash Primary School will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Knotty Ash Primary School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
