PA to Head Teacher

Cathedral Appointments Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing service including counsellor

Professional development opportunities

Autonomy and senior leadership contact

Job summary

Cathedral Appointments is supporting a Devon-based special education provider to recruit a PA to the Executive Headteacher and Senior Administrator. The role sits mainly in Exeter with some travel, combining diary management, governance support and oversight of administrative systems to ensure smooth operations across sites.

The successful candidate will lead the administrative team, handle confidential information with discretion and communicate effectively with internal and external

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior administrative, PA or executive support role.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting correspondence and minutes.
• Confidential handling of highly sensitive information with a discreet approach.
• Fluency in spoken English and ability to undergo DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Executive Headteacher’s diary and provide high-level administrative support.
• Organise meetings, prepare reports, presentations and correspondence, and action follow-ups.
• Lead and develop administrative systems and processes across the organisation.
• Support governance, safeguarding administration and communications across multiple sites.
• Build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders across Devon locations.

Skills

Senior admin/PA experience

Organisational skills

Written and verbal communication

Discretion / confidentiality

English fluency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Up to £32,169 | On-site, Term-Time Only, 37 Hours per Week | Exeter

Cathedral Appointments is recruiting on behalf of a respected special education provider in Devon for a PA to the Executive Headteacher / Senior Administrator. The organisation supports children and young people with complex learning needs, and is driven by clear values, ambitious outcomes and a genuinely collaborative culture. This is a chance to sit at the centre of its leadership and help everything run smoothly, starting as soon as possible.

The Role:

Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, you will be the calm, organised presence that keeps senior leadership and administration moving in step. Based mainly in Exeter, with occasional travel to other locations in Devon, you will oversee administrative processes across the organisation, lead the administrative team and help communication flow clearly between sites. The role suits an experienced PA or senior administrator who combines warmth and discretion with excellent attention to detail, and who wants their work to make a real difference.

Responsibilities for the PA to the Executive Headteacher / Senior Administrator:

• Manage the Executive Headteacher’s diary and provide high-level administrative support, keeping priorities and deadlines firmly on track.
• Organise meetings, prepare reports, presentations and correspondence, and record and follow up on agreed actions.
• Lead and develop administrative systems and processes across the organisation, including line management of the administrative team.
• Support communications, governance and compliance activity, including safeguarding-related administration.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders across multiple locations.

Requirements for the PA to the Executive Headteacher / Senior Administrator include:

• Proven experience in a senior administrative, PA or executive support role within a busy, demanding environment.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, meet deadlines and work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting correspondence and taking accurate minutes.
• Confident use of Microsoft Office.
• A professional, discreet approach and the ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Confidence and fluency in spoken English, and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits:

• Salary of up to £32,169.
• Term-time working pattern, 40 weeks per year, 37 hours per week.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive staff wellbeing service, including counselling, physiotherapy and 24/7 GP access.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Significant autonomy, close work with senior leadership and the opportunity to contribute to strategic initiatives.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects everyone who works there to share this commitment.

If you are a proactive, polished administrator looking to bring your skills to a setting where your work genuinely matters, we would love to hear from you.

Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform you that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

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