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- Tasks: Support the Head with diary management, meetings, and document preparation.
- Company: Ipswich School is a prestigious independent school in East Anglia, established in the 14th century.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, access to gym facilities, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team in a vibrant educational environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Qualifications: Prior experience as a PA or Executive Assistant is preferred; strong organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Work during term time with flexible holiday options and occasional events outside normal hours.
The predicted salary is between 31049 - 31049 £ per year.
Job Description
- Ipswich School
- Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
- Salary: £31,049 per annum
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 35 weeks per year*
- Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
- Reference: 0376
- Permanent, full time during term time and for up to 25 days in the school holidays.
Founded during the fourteenth century, Ipswich School is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. It has circa 1,000 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 and is co-educational throughout. The most recent Inspection of the Senior School rated it as Excellent in all categories, a judgement of which we are very proud. The school operates a 5-day week, with representative sports played during the week and on Saturdays. This post is based in the Senior School.
The school seeks a highly professional Executive Assistant to the Head to provide comprehensive, high-level executive and secretarial support. You will serve as the primary point of contact for the Head, exercising discretion and initiative to ensure all staff, visitors, and external contacts are dealt with professionally. You will also be responsible for a range of tasks including the Heads’ diary management, facilitating meetings, producing documents and reports, supporting the appointment of teaching staff, managing files and records, and ensuring that key events in the school calendar proceed smoothly.
You will come into contact with a wide range of staff, parents and pupils, governors and visitors in the performance of their duties. You will have a close working relationship with the School\’s Senior Management Team, including the Deputy Heads, the Director of Finance and Operations and the Prep Head, and their respective PAs. There will also be regular contact with teaching and support staff, new and existing parents and pupils.
In addition, you will have day-to-day line management responsibility for the Academic PAs and Secretaries within the Senior School. You will possess exemplary organisational skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Discretion, tact, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential. Prior experience as a PA or Executive Assistant and experience in an educational environment are highly desirable.
Hours of work, salary and benefits:
- this is a permanent post (subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period lasting 6 months)
- the hours of work during Ipswich School term time are usually between 8 am – 4.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays (35 weeks per annum), with a one-hour unpaid break for lunch (7½ hours per day, 37½ hours per week)
- during Ipswich School holiday periods, you will usually work from 8.30 am – 4.30 pm with a one-hour break for lunch (7 hours per day) for a total of up to 25 days (or a combination of full and half days up to this amount) at convenient times to be agreed with the Head. This is likely to include two weeks in August to deal with public examination results and prepare for the start of the new academic year
- there may from time to time be the requirement to attend events and appointments outside of normal school hours, for which time off in lieu may be taken, or to work some additional hours at other times which may be claimed separately via a timesheet
- please note you are always expected to work your normal hours on the two days prior to the start of the Michaelmas (Autumn) term each year, and on the INSET day (currently in February each year). These days are staff INSET days for training and development activities, and they are included in the definition of Ipswich School term time
- holidays may only be taken during Ipswich School holiday periods, and at times to be agreed outside of the requirements above
- the salary for this post (for the hours as described above) will be £31,049.72 per annum and includes the holiday pay per annum as required by the Working Time Regulations
- salaries are paid monthly in arrears by BACS on the last working day of each month throughout the year and are reviewed annually on I September, with the first review for this post taking place in September 2026
- free lunch is provided in the school dining hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation
- staff are able to use the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations)
- you will have access to Smarthealth, the school’s wellbeing app for staff which offers 24/7 GP access and mental health support
- after 3 months\’ service and/or in line with workplace pension legislation, the post holder will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution and life cover.
To find out more
Find out more about us by visiting our website
How To Apply
A job description and application form can be downloaded from our website or by emailing hr@ipswich.school
Completed application forms should be returned by noon on 12 September 2025 to:
The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG. If you are submitting your completed application form electronically, please email it to hr@ipswich.school
Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us.
Closing date: 12 September 2025.
Interview date: 23 and Wednesday 24 September 2025.
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. The Ipswich School policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders and the Code of Practice relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service are available on request.
About The Team
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To apply , please follow the application process detailed above.
This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.
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Executive Assistant to the Head employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values. Understanding Ipswich School's history and its commitment to excellence will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the school culture and expectations for the Executive Assistant role, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks and maintained confidentiality in previous roles. This will showcase your organisational skills and discretion, which are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your experience in an educational environment. Highlight any relevant roles or responsibilities that demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics within a school setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Executive Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as diary management, document production, and maintaining confidentiality.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any previous experience as a PA or Executive Assistant, especially in an educational setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the school. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate for the role, and express your understanding of the school's values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Executive Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Research the School
Before your interview, take some time to research Ipswich School. Familiarise yourself with its history, values, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you tailor your answers to align with the school's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised, such as digital calendars or task management software.
✨Showcase Discretion and Confidentiality
Given the nature of the role, it's essential to convey your understanding of discretion and confidentiality. Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to handle sensitive information and how you ensured it remained confidential.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the school. For example, you could ask about the challenges the Head faces or how the Executive Assistant can best support the Senior Management Team.
