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- Tasks: Support the Principal in daily operations and strategic decision-making at a leading school.
- Company: Sullivan Upper School, a respected grammar school known for academic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, public sector terms, and a supportive staff community.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment focused on safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in school life with real impact on students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience as a senior 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?
- 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
Office Leadership & Operations
- Line manage the school office team and oversee daily operations
- Maintain high standards across reception and school office
- Ensure efficient and professional administrative systems
Admissions & Stakeholder Engagement
- Support admissions and SEAG transfer processes
- Liaise with parents, feeder schools, and external stakeholders
- Manage communications, newsletters, and website updates
Events & Systems
- 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.
Personal Assistant to the Principal. Job in Holywood Education & Training Jobs 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. Job in Holywood Education & Training Jobs
✨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 us 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 to show them we’re ready for anything!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in a school environment. Let’s make sure we look professional and approachable when we walk through those doors.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you email. It shows our appreciation and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate our enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to the Principal. Job in Holywood Education & Training Jobs
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 Sullivan Upper School is 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 this role. Mention your organisational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Let us know how you can contribute to the school’s success!
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 smoother 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, like 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. This will highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, which are crucial for this position.
✨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.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Sullivan Upper School and its values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. Showing that you’re not just looking for any job, but specifically want to be part of their community, will set you apart from other candidates.