At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Oxford High School by managing a busy diary and coordinating key meetings.
- Company: Join the innovative and award-winning Oxford High School, dedicated to 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 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 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 Wednesday 5 August 2026. Interviews will take place on 10 August, 17 & 18 August 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 Southampton employer: Oxford High School
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to maintaining high standards in education and facilities, employees benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a generous pension scheme, all while contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students and the community. Located in the historic city centre of Oxford, the school provides a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering institution that values teamwork and individual contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head in Southampton
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Oxford High School!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Oxford High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Oxford High School. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Oxford High School and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Oxford High School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oxford High School's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Oxford High School.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Oxford High School will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Oxford High School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
