PA to the Deputy Heads

TES FE News; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

An independent school in Henley-on-Thames is seeking a skilled PA for the Deputy Heads, covering maternity leave. The role involves providing high-level PA support with essential communication, organisational, and IT skills. A competitive salary, excellent free lunches, and a contributory pension scheme are offered. The position is 26 hours weekly during term-time, plus up to two weeks during holidays. Applications are welcomed before the closing date of 24 September 2025.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Gym access

Excellent working environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a PA at senior level is essential.
• Experience in schools is not necessary.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Provide PA support to the two Deputy Heads.
• Undertake a varied range of PA duties focusing on organisation and discretion.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Multitasking

Discretion

Integrity

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to appoint a highly skilled and experienced professional PA to the two Deputy Heads of Shiplake College to cover a period of maternity leave (for up to one year). This is a great opportunity for the successful applicant to continue to build and develop the role.

The contracted hours for this role are 26 hours per week, consisting of 5 hours on four days and 6 hours on one day per week, as agreed in advance with the Deputy Heads. This is a term-time only plus INSET position, with a requirement to work for up to two weeks during the school holidays, for which you will be compensated separately.

The successful applicant will have essential PA experience at senior level, strong communication, organisational and IT skills, and the ability to multitask. Integrity, confidentiality and a calm and approachable manner are essential.

Responsibilities

The role provides PA support to the two Deputy Heads and involves undertaking a varied range of PA duties, with emphasis on discretion, organisation and efficient handling of information.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a PA at senior level (essential).
• Experience in schools is not essential.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage a varied workload.
• Integrity, confidentiality and a calm, approachable manner.

About Shiplake College

Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. It has been co-educational since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co-educational. The college is situated in 63 acres of countryside near Henley-on-Thames and offers small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme, together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment.

How to apply

A candidate pack together with an application form is available from the following link:

https://www.shiplake.org.uk/about-shiplake/job-vacancies

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.

Closing Date: 10am on Wednesday 24 September 2025

Interviews will be held upon receipt of applications.

Additional information

Shiplake College is a day and boarding school for ages 11-18, fully co-educational. Shiplake College 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). Shiplake is an equal opportunities employer.