At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School by managing a busy diary and coordinating key events.
- Company: Join the award-winning Oxford High School, a leader in girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts for children’s fees.
- Other info: Term time role with additional weeks during holidays; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a central figure in a vibrant school environment, making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy, people-focused setting.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 44800 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time, Term Time Only + 4 weeks in the holidays.
Salary: Pro rata salary £39,400 to £44,800 pa.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced EA, PA, Office Manager or senior Administrator who is confident operating in a busy, people-facing environment to play a key role supporting the Head of Oxford High School.
As Executive Assistant to the Head, you will play a central role in the smooth running of the Head’s office and the wider school. You will manage a busy and complex diary, coordinate meetings, correspondence, briefings, visits and follow-up actions, and act as a trusted first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumnae and external partners. Much of the role is about anticipating what is needed, protecting the Head’s time and ensuring that communication from the Head’s office is warm, professional, timely and well judged.
You will also take responsibility for key operational and governance processes that help the school run effectively. This will include leading the planning of the school calendar, coordinating major meetings and events, supporting admissions, HR, bursary and compliance administration, maintaining confidential records, and acting as Clerk to the Governors.
This is a term time only role, with 4 additional weeks to be worked during school holidays as required and especially at exam results times.
About you
You will be a highly organised and proactive EA/PA or senior administrator, with experience of supporting leaders in a busy, complex environment. Calm under pressure and confident managing competing priorities, you will bring excellent diary, calendar and administrative skills, strong communication, sound judgement and absolute respect for confidentiality.
You will be comfortable working with senior leaders, governors, staff, pupils, parents and external contacts, and ideally have experience in a busy school or similarly service-driven setting. With strong ICT skills, attention to detail and experience organising meetings and events, you will be motivated by playing a trusted, central role in the smooth running of school life.
About Oxford High School
Since its foundation 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education. Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network. We are proud to have recently received the Independent Girls’ School of the Year Award for 2023 and have been shortlisted for the TES School Awards Prep School of the Year 2024.
As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- Free school lunches
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply please click the apply button. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 14 June 2026. Interviews will take place on 22 and 24 June 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Executive Assistant to the Head employer: Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including free school lunches and generous discounts for staff children, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our employees. Join us in making a meaningful impact on girls' education while enjoying a fulfilling career in a prestigious institution recognised for its excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Oxford High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in being part of the Oxford High community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend. We need to be ready to showcase our organisational skills and how we handle pressure, especially in a busy school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Oxford High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as an EA or PA. We want to see how your skills match the specific needs of the Head's office, so don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational prowess!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be the first point of contact for various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use clear and professional language in your application to reflect how you would interact in this role.
Highlight Your Proactivity:We love candidates who can anticipate needs and manage competing priorities. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully navigated busy environments and supported leaders effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Oxford High School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School GDST
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Executive Assistant to the Head. Familiarise yourself with managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, and supporting various stakeholders. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in a busy environment. Highlight your experience in maintaining confidentiality and your ability to anticipate needs. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role with ease.
✨Communicate Warmly and Professionally
Since you'll be the first point of contact for many, practice conveying warmth and professionalism in your communication style. During the interview, focus on your interpersonal skills and how you build relationships with pupils, parents, and staff. This will show that you understand the importance of effective communication in a school setting.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's culture, the Head's leadership style, or how the EA role contributes to the school's overall success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
