PA to Head

Cognita; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Free lunch during term time

School holidays and public holidays

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Cognita, in partnership with Alleyn's Hampstead, invites applications for an experienced Personal Assistant to the Head of Alleyn's Hampstead. The role focuses on high-level administrative support, diary management, and coordination of meetings and events, ensuring professional communication across the school community.

You will handle minutes, prep presentations, and liaise with senior leadership, parents, pupils, and staff, maintaining discretion and a calm, professional approach in a busy

Qualifications

• Proven experience in administrative support.
• Strong IT skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex diary and coordinate meetings and events.
• Prepare correspondence, documentation and presentations to a high standard.
• Take minutes at key meetings and organise school events and hospitality.
• Support the Head's office in communication, planning and stakeholder relations.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Discretion with information

Time management

IT proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Permanent | Full-time | Immediate start date

Cognita and Alleyn's Schools Group Partnership: Cognita has formed a partnership with the Alleyn's Schools Group to establish two leading independent day schools in north London. This pioneering collaboration brings together one of the world's most influential education groups, Cognita, which educates over 100,000 students across 21 countries, and Alleyn's, south London’s finest co-educational day school and Co-educational School of the Year 2025.

As part of this partnership, North Bridge House Regent's Park Prep and North Bridge House Hampstead became Alleyn's schools. Alleyn's Regent's Park successfully transitioned in September 2025, welcoming pupils aged 3-11. Alleyn's Hampstead followed in September 2026, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2-18 and bringing the distinctive Alleyn's ethos of academic excellence, creativity, and care to north London.

Alleyn's Hampstead now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced PA to Head to join our fantastic team.

About the Role:

As Personal Assistant to the Head of Alleyn's Hampstead, you will provide high-level, confidential administrative and organisational support at the heart of the school. You will manage a complex diary, coordinate meetings and events, and ensure all correspondence, documentation, and presentations are prepared to a high standard. From taking accurate minutes at key meetings to organising school events and hospitality, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Head's office. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and a wide range of stakeholders, you will help maintain clear communication, strong relationships, and a professional, welcoming environment across the school community.

Who We Are Looking For:

You will be a highly organised and proactive professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be confident managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and handling sensitive information with discretion. With strong IT skills and proven experience in administrative support, you will bring accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will build positive relationships with colleagues, parents, and pupils, demonstrating professionalism, tact, and a commitment to high standards of customer care.

Benefits at Cognita:

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in our company pension scheme
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Ongoing professional development

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.