Executive Assistant to the Principal & CEO (maternity cover)

The Grammar School at Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Leeds seeks an Executive Assistant to support the Principal/CEO during a maternity cover. This full-time role involves managing complex schedules and overseeing a PA team, requiring exceptional organization skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and the ability to work flexibly out of term time.

Benefits

Significant discount on school fees

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Subsidised childcare during INSET days

Personal pension plan with employer contributions

Access to onsite gym and swimming pool

Free private GP appointments

Generous leave of absence scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial high-level PA/EA skills. Experience in an educational setting is a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and confidential support to the Principal/CEO.
• Manage complex diaries, correspondence, and meetings.
• Oversee and support a team of four PAs.

Skills

Exceptional organization skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Time management

Job description

Contract : Temporary maternity leave cover from 8 December 2025 29 January 2027.

Hours : Full time 35 hours per week Monday to Friday all year-round with flexibility to work remotely out of term time.

Salary : SM1 P35 - P- 44450 FTE a retention bonus of 5000 will be payable on successful completion of the full maternity cover contract.

Are you a highly skilled EA or PA who thrives in fast-paced dynamic environments Do you combine exceptional organisation and attention to detail with the ability to build strong trusted relationships at every level If so this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

We are seeking a proactive professional and dedicated Executive Assistant to provide strategic and confidential support to the Principal / CEO during a maternity cover period from 23 January 2026. This is a key role at the very heart of our school ensuring the smooth running of the Principal / CEOs office while also leading and supporting our wider PA and administrative team.

The Principal / CEO is an approachable and inspirational leader who values respect humility and excellence and cares deeply about both pupils and colleagues. This role offers the chance to work closely with him supporting his vision and ensuring the highest standards of administration across the school.

You will act as a trusted first point of contact for the Principal / CEO. You will provide a professional efficient and discreet service managing complex diaries correspondence and meetings with confidence. You will also oversee and support a team of four PAs.

You will have substantial high-level PA / EA skills strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task work under pressure and prioritise as necessary. You will be extremely professional and have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders colleagues pupils and parents. You will be proficient in using the full Microsoft package and able to upskill others. Experience in an educational setting would be an advantage but it is not essential.

Why GSAL

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the leading schools in the north and traces its history back to 1552.

GSAL was awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent Secondary School of the Decade in 2021 and continues to be a friendly fun and supportive environment with high investment in pupil and colleague wellbeing while insisting upon and maintaining high expectations.

Benefits

• Significant discount on school fees
• 25 days annual leave per year plus eight statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)
• School closure days in the Christmas holidays in addition to annual leave entitlement (usually an extra 3 days annual leave)
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave
• Subsidised childcare provided for colleagues children during school INSET days (from the age of 3 up to age 11)
• Personal pension plan with Aviva up to 5% employee contribution and 10% employer (with the facility to pay higher or lower employee contributions)
• Training and CPD available including five inset days per academic year
• Colleague lunches : three courses for 2.40 available during school lunchtimes plus free tea coffee and hot chocolate
• Access to free private GP appointments via Health Hero
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme well-being app Vivup offering telephone counselling financial and legal advice plus 6-8 face-to-face counselling sessions
• Beautiful lunch time walking routes around our 120-acre site
• Onsite gym and swimming pool available for staff use within set times as well as staff classes such as Pilates meditation kettlebells spinning and bootcamps
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle to work
• Free car parking available on site
• Use of the schools extensive library facility
• Generous leave of absence scheme to support our employees when they need it
• Colleague discounts through multiple providers including Vivup blue light card discounts for teachers and Extras
• Opportunity to be involved in co-curricular activities such as the staff pantomime well-being committee or volunteer for community events

How to apply

At GSAL we are committed to promoting equity and diversity safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and providing a safe supportive environment for learning and development. If you share these values we would love for you to apply.

Please complete the online GSAL application form found on our website. For any enquiries about the role please contact

Further details about the role and its responsibilities can be found in the candidate information pack available in the documents section of our advert on the school website. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application.

The closing date for applications is : 9am Monday 29 September

Interview date : Longlist (Teams) 08 / 10 / 25 Shortlist (Face to face) 13 / 10 / 25