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- Tasks: Support the Principal with high-level executive tasks and manage daily school operations.
- Company: Join a respected grammar school known for academic excellence and a supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and public sector benefits in a dynamic school environment.
- Other info: Be part of a professional team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal role at the heart of school life.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft 365.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 37280 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Personal Assistant ready to play a key role in a leading school environment? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility role where discretion and organisation are essential? Sullivan Upper School is seeking an exceptional, highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Principal in delivering both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the school. This is a pivotal role at the centre of school life, requiring discretion, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Why Join Sullivan Upper School?
- Be part of a well-established, high-achieving and respected grammar school with a strong reputation for academic excellence
- Work closely with senior leadership, playing a key role in supporting strategic decision-making
- Join a professional, collaborative and supportive staff community
- Enjoy a varied and influential role with real impact across the school
- Benefit from a competitive salary and public sector terms and conditions
The Role
You will provide high-level executive support to the Principal while contributing to the smooth and professional running of the school. Key responsibilities include:
- Manage the Principal’s diary, meetings, travel, and communications
- Prepare briefings, agendas, and documentation
- Attend meetings, take minutes, and track follow-up actions
- Handle confidential correspondence with discretion
- Coordinate visitors and hospitality
- Provide administrative support to Principal Governance & Strategic Support
- Support Senior Leadership Team and a number of Governors’ meetings (agendas, papers, minutes)
- Assist with School Development Plan and key strategic initiatives
- Support safeguarding, health & safety, and governance processes
- Line manage the school office team and oversee daily operations
- Maintain high standards across reception and school office
- Ensure efficient and professional administrative systems
- Support admissions and SEAG transfer processes
- Liaise with parents, feeder schools, and external stakeholders
- Manage communications, newsletters, and website updates
- Support major school events such as Open Days and Prize Day
- Maintain MIS systems (e.g. SIMS) and ensure data accuracy
- Support GDPR compliance and data integrity
About You
- Proven experience in a senior PA or executive support role
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong attention to detail; Highly proficient in handling sensitive and confidential information
- Experience leading or supervising staff
- High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and strong general digital literacy
- Professional, calm, and able to work under pressure
Safeguarding
Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced vetting and background checks.
Apply Today, Closing Date Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon
Personal Assistant to the Principal in Holywood employer: Sullivan Upper School
Contact Detail:
Sullivan Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to the Principal in Holywood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sullivan Upper School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common PA scenarios. Think about how you'd handle diary management or confidential correspondence. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills during the interview. Bring a portfolio showcasing your past work, like meeting minutes or event planning. It’ll demonstrate your attention to detail.
✨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 that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to the Principal in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing diaries, handling confidential information, and supporting senior leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role at Sullivan Upper School. Share specific examples of your organisational skills and discretion in previous roles. Let us know why you want to join our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication, make sure your written application reflects your excellent communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional. We appreciate attention to detail, so double-check for any typos or errors!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sullivan Upper School
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Principal. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing diaries and handling confidential correspondence. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain high standards.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
As a Personal Assistant, discretion is key. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've handled sensitive information or maintained confidentiality. This will reassure the interviewers that you can be trusted with important matters and that you understand the importance of professionalism in a school setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values
Research Sullivan Upper School and its values before the interview. Understanding the school's mission and how it aligns with your own values will allow you to articulate why you're a great fit for the team. It also shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to the school's success.