Personal Assistant to the Senior Leadership Team in Reading

This is an important role providing comprehensive administrative, organisational and personal support to senior leaders so that they can work effectively and maintain focus on school priorities. The postholder will support the smooth running of the leadership team through effective diary management, communication, documentation, meeting coordination and support for whole‑school initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality administrative and personal support to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage leadership diaries, meetings, visits, communication, correspondence and delegated actions with professionalism and discretion.
• Prepare, compile and coordinate reports, meeting documentation, minutes and action tracking to support timely decision‑making.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, including preparatory materials and follow‑up actions.
• Act as a key point of contact for enquiries directed to the Senior Leadership Team, including enquiries involving students, parents and carers, and external agencies.
• Manage confidential information, correspondence and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Support the complaints process and assist with Subject Access Request administration.
• Coordinate policy, Handbook Hub, website, marketing, database, filing, expenses, travel, accommodation and event administration.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, students, parents and carers, external agencies, suppliers and Trust stakeholders.
• Support school and Trust priorities through accurate administration, effective communication and a responsive approach to delegated work.

The ideal candidate:

• Has strong administrative, organisational and communication skills.
• Can manage competing priorities, deadlines and detailed information accurately.
• Works with a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
• Can anticipate needs, think critically and offer practical solutions.
• Is confident liaising with senior leaders, colleagues, students, parents and carers, external agencies and suppliers.
• Can prepare documentation, coordinate meetings and track actions effectively.
• Is able to work independently when appropriate while contributing positively to a wider team.
• Shares the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11‑18, located in Lower Earley, near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive, and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious. Academic outcomes continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8, alongside a thriving sixth form. Staff are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high‑quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust:

• Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service.
• ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event.
• Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles.
• Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points.
• Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible).
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes.
• Mental Health First Aid Support.
• Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET.
• Employee Referral Scheme.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.