PA to the Head in Bournemouth

PA to the Head in Bournemouth

Bournemouth Full-Time 28000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide high-level, confidential support to the Headteacher and manage the school office.
  • Company: Talbot Heath School, a warm and values-led independent girls' school.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, free meals, gym access, and discounted school fees.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive community and play a key role in shaping school success.
  • Qualifications: Highly organised with strong communication skills and a commitment to confidentiality.
  • Other info: Enjoy a peaceful environment with excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.

Talbot Heath School is seeking an exceptional Headteacher’s PA to provide high-level, confidential support to the Headteacher and play a pivotal role in the smooth and effective running of the school office. This is a senior administrative position requiring excellent organisation, discretion and judgement, with responsibility for diary and calendar management, coordination of key school processes, and line management of office staff. The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, highly professional and able to manage competing priorities in a busy school environment.

This role would suit an experienced PA or senior administrator who enjoys working at the heart of a school community and contributing to its wider success. You will work closely with the new Headteacher, governors and senior colleagues, providing high-level administrative and organisational support across a wide range of school operations and initiatives.

Talbot Heath offers a warm, values-led environment where professionalism, collaboration and care for others are central to daily life.

Responsibilities
  • Provide high-level, confidential administrative support to the Headteacher and support the smooth running of the school office.
  • Manage the Headteacher’s diary and calendar, coordinate key school processes, and supervise office staff.
  • Collaborate with the Headteacher, governors and senior colleagues on a wide range of school operations and initiatives.
Qualifications and attributes
  • Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy and fast-paced school environment.
  • A confident, professional communicator, able to build positive relationships with staff, parents, governors and visitors.
  • Proactive and solutions-focused, able to work independently while contributing positively to the wider office team.
  • Trustworthy and reliable, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and the careful handling of sensitive information.
  • Adaptable and calm under pressure, able to respond effectively to competing demands and unexpected situations.
Working pattern and terms

Permanent, all year round OR term time only with additional weeks during school closures. The working pattern will be discussed at interview. 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with 1 hour for lunch. 33 days holiday a year for all year round and 28 days holiday for the term time only option, plus bank holidays. £32,000–£36,000 full-time equivalent, pro-rata depending on working pattern and experience.

Application timeline

Application Deadline: Friday 6 February 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 9 February 2026. Further details can be found in the Job Description.

What We Offer

Talbot Heath School is an independent girls' school for ages 2-18, situated in Bournemouth. You will benefit from a peaceful environment, with free on-site parking. Complimentary lunch provided daily in our staff dining room, featuring a freshly cooked hot meal and a salad bar. Discounted membership to the nearby West Hants Club, with access to sports and recreational facilities. Complimentary use of our on-site swimming pool during the Sunday staff session. Complimentary access to our on-site gym facilities. Discount on school fees for your children, subject to the school’s admission process and fee remission policy. Complimentary after-school childcare for staff with children in Kindergarten and above. Company stakeholder pension scheme.

PA to the Head in Bournemouth employer: Talbot Heath School

Talbot Heath School is an outstanding employer, offering a supportive and values-driven environment where professionalism and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, complimentary meals, and access to excellent recreational facilities, all while playing a crucial role in the vibrant school community. With opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to staff well-being, this position as PA to the Head provides a meaningful and rewarding career path in education.
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Contact Detail:

Talbot Heath School Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land PA to the Head in Bournemouth

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Talbot Heath School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what the Headteacher really values in a PA.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with managing diaries and supporting senior staff. We want to show that we can handle the pressure and keep things running smoothly!

✨Tip Number 3

Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in a professional environment like a school. Let’s make sure we look polished and ready to support the Headteacher and the team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can set us apart from other candidates. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace PA to the Head in Bournemouth

Diary Management
Calendar Management
Confidentiality
Organisation Skills
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Discretion
Judgement
Team Collaboration
Independence
Professionalism
Ability to Prioritise

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a PA or senior administrator. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Organisation Skills: Since this role is all about keeping things running smoothly, give us examples of how you've managed diaries, calendars, or office processes in the past. We love seeing real-life scenarios that demonstrate your organisational prowess!

Be Professional and Personable: In your application, let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism. We’re looking for someone who can build positive relationships, so don’t hesitate to share how you’ve done this in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about Talbot Heath School!

How to prepare for a job interview at Talbot Heath School

✨Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA to the Head. Familiarise yourself with diary management, office coordination, and how to handle sensitive information. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.

✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your organisational skills made a difference. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a busy school environment, which is crucial for this position.

✨Communicate Confidently

Practice your communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to build positive relationships with staff, parents, and governors, so be ready to discuss how you’ve done this in the past. A confident, professional demeanour will go a long way in making a great impression.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess how you would handle unexpected situations or pressure. Think of examples from your experience where you remained calm and found solutions. This will show that you can adapt and respond effectively, which is key for a role like this.

PA to the Head in Bournemouth
Talbot Heath School
Location: Bournemouth
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