At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School in managing a busy office and coordinating key events.
- Company: Join a pioneering school with a vibrant culture and a commitment to girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, free lunches, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Term time role with additional weeks during holidays; excellent career growth opportunities await.
- Why this job: Be a central figure in a dynamic environment that values your organisational skills and proactive approach.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy setting is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hours: Full-time, Term Time Only + 4 weeks in the holidays.
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.
Benefits:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- 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
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 current or former staff at Oxford High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what the Head really values in an EA.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with managing busy diaries and supporting senior leaders. We want to show them we’re calm under pressure and ready to tackle any challenge!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you’ve successfully managed complex schedules or coordinated events in the past. We need to demonstrate that we can keep everything running smoothly in a busy 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 in Oxford
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 relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role is all about managing a busy diary and coordinating various tasks, give us examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple priorities in the past. We love to see how you keep things running smoothly!
Communicate Warmly and Professionally:Your written communication should reflect the warm and professional tone we value at Oxford High School. Make sure your application is friendly yet polished, as this will set the tone for your potential interactions with pupils, parents, and staff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School
✨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 the key tasks like managing a busy diary and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align perfectly with what they need.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles. Highlight your experience in a busy environment and how you kept everything running smoothly. This is crucial for a role that demands calmness under pressure.
✨Communicate Warmly and Professionally
Since you'll be the first point of contact for various stakeholders, practice conveying warmth and professionalism in your communication. Think about how you can demonstrate this during the interview, perhaps by asking thoughtful questions or engaging positively with your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role, such as handling confidential information or coordinating major events, and how you would approach them.
