At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Deputy Head in pastoral care and staff welfare while ensuring a safe environment for students.
- Company: The Portsmouth Grammar School, a family-oriented school with a strong focus on education and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role with term-time hours, offering a supportive work environment and professional development.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your administrative skills in a vibrant school setting.
- Qualifications: Proven administrative experience, excellent organisation, and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.
The role holder will play a key role in supporting the work of our Deputy Head (Pastoral & Staff Welfare) & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who also holds the additional role of Attendance Champion. This is a full time, term time (plus one week immediately prior to Autumn term start) role. The hours of work will be 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday. The standard work pattern is 8.00am to 4.00pm, with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch. There will be some flexibility required for work outside of normal hours, for example during busy times or to organise and attend evening meetings and events.
The successful candidate will have proven administrative experience, be highly organised and able to work well independently in a busy office. A proactive and flexible approach to work is important, as is the willingness to work as part of a team. Excellent organisation skills are also essential to be able to prioritise tasks and work well within a small professional team. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to work flexibly and under pressure. They will be professional and friendly and able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills which are critical for effective communication with pupils, parents and staff across the school.
This role sits within our School Office team and as such is line managed by our School Office Manager. Our job description for this role contains details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role and the qualifications, experience and skills we are looking for candidates to have.
How to apply: Candidates are asked to apply using the online MyNewTerm application form. Any enquiries about the role or how to apply are very welcome. The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Monday 1st June 2026 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site in the week commencing 8th June with a provisional interview date of Thursday 11th June 2026.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Locations
PA to the Deputy Head (Pastoral & Staff Welfare) & DSL in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: The Independent Schools Council
The Portsmouth Grammar School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment that prioritises staff welfare and professional development. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and excellent pastoral care, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and opportunities for growth within a prestigious educational setting in the heart of Portsmouth.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to the Deputy Head (Pastoral & Staff Welfare) & DSL in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Portsmouth Grammar School's values, culture, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school, plus it shows initiative and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to pastoral care and administrative tasks. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with online processes, which is key for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to the Deputy Head (Pastoral & Staff Welfare) & DSL in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience and skills match up with what we need. Highlight your administrative experience and organisational skills, and show us how you can be a great fit for our team.
Be Professional Yet Friendly:Remember, this role involves communication with pupils, parents, and staff. So, while you want to be professional in your writing, don’t forget to let your friendly personality shine through. We love a warm approach!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure you apply using the online MyNewTerm application form on our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA to the Deputy Head. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos, especially around pastoral care and safeguarding. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload, especially in a busy office environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
As you'll be communicating with pupils, parents, and staff, it's crucial to show that you can build rapport easily. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated or resolved conflicts, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the nature of the role, you might be asked about your flexibility regarding working hours. Prepare to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the school's needs, especially during busy periods or events outside standard hours.
