At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a busy diary, coordinate meetings, and be the first point of contact for the school community.
- Company: Join Oxford High School, a vibrant and supportive educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic role supporting the Head of School.
- Qualifications: Highly organised with strong communication skills and experience in busy environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Executive Assistant to the Head of Oxford High School is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced EA, PA, office manager or senior administrator who thrives in a busy, people‑facing environment. The role requires managing a complex diary, coordinating meetings, correspondence, briefings, visits and follow‑up actions, and acting as the first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumnae and external partners. The assistant will anticipate needs, protect the Head’s time, ensure warm and professional communication, and take responsibility for key operational and governance processes, including planning 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a busy and complex diary and coordinate all meetings and appointments.
- Act as first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumnae and external partners.
- Anticipate and protect the Head’s time, ensuring all communication is warm, professional, timely and well‑judged.
- Lead the planning of the school calendar and coordinate major meetings and events.
- Support admissions, HR, bursary and compliance administration.
- Maintain confidential records and act as Clerk to the Governors.
Qualifications & Experience
- Highly organised, proactive and experience supporting senior leaders in a busy, complex environment.
- Excellent diary, calendar and administrative skills.
- Strong communication, sound judgement and absolute respect for confidentiality.
- Calm under pressure, capable of managing competing priorities.
- Strong ICT skills and experience organising meetings and events.
- Experience in a busy school or similarly service‑driven setting preferred.
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.
- Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
- Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase and travel season ticket loans.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. 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.
Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of School employer: Oxford High School
Oxford High School offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of School, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for students and families. With competitive salaries, extensive professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, including generous pension schemes and discounts on school fees, this is an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the education sector. The school's vibrant culture fosters collaboration and respect, making it an ideal setting for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or even those who know someone at 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 news. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the school community and its mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As the first point of contact, you’ll need to come across as warm and professional. Try role-playing with a friend to nail down your responses and body language.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Executive Assistant role. Highlight your organisational skills, diary management experience, and any relevant work in busy environments like schools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've supported senior leaders and managed complex tasks in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication, make sure your application showcases your ability to communicate warmly and professionally. Use clear language and a friendly tone throughout your application.
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
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Executive Assistant. Familiarise yourself with managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, and supporting senior leaders. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact for various stakeholders, your communication skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in busy environments. Highlight your ability to maintain professionalism and warmth in all interactions.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to manage competing priorities and keep everything running smoothly. Share anecdotes about how you've successfully coordinated events or managed a busy calendar, as this will illustrate your organisational skills in action.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the school's culture, the Head's working style, or how the role contributes to the school's goals. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
