At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School by managing a busy office and coordinating key activities.
- Company: Join the award-winning Oxford High School, a leader in girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Term time role with additional weeks during holidays; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a vibrant school community and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy environment is essential.
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 in Oxford employer: Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment dedicated to the personal and professional development of its staff. With competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a pioneering institution in girls' education. The school's recognition as Independent Girls’ School of the Year 2023 highlights its dedication to excellence, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or even alumni from Oxford High School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our vibrant community, so show us how you align with our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you’ll be the face of the Head’s office. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as warm and professional.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Oxford High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing busy diaries and supporting leaders, as this is key to what we’re looking for at Oxford High School.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated complex environments in the past, so share specific examples!
Be Professional Yet Warm:Since you'll be the first point of contact for various stakeholders, it’s important to convey a professional yet approachable tone in your application. Let your personality shine through while maintaining that professionalism we value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 with diary management and event coordination, as these are crucial for this role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication
As the first point of contact for many, your communication skills are key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to communicate sensitive information or handle difficult conversations, showcasing your sound judgement and respect for confidentiality.
✨Research Oxford High School
Take some time to learn about Oxford High School's values, history, and recent achievements. Being knowledgeable about the school will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their ethos. It shows genuine interest and commitment to being part of their community.
