PA to the Deputy Heads

SHIPLAKE COLLEGE; Lower Shiplake; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution located near Henley-on-Thames seeks a highly skilled Professional PA to support the Deputy Heads. The role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a nurturing working environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and organisational skills, with previous PA experience preferred. This is a term-time only role requiring 26 hours per week, with a commitment to confidentiality and integrity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a PA is a prerequisite, preferably at senior level.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills.
• Integrity and discretion; ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide PA support to the two Deputy Heads of Shiplake College.
• Undertake a varied range of PA duties with excellent skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and a calm and approachable manner.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Multitasking

Integrity

Discretion

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.

Contract details

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide PA support to the two Deputy Heads of Shiplake College.
• Undertake a varied range of PA duties with excellent communication, organisational and IT skills; the ability to multitask and to manage a varied workload.
• Maintain confidentiality and a calm and approachable manner.

Qualifications and skills

• Previous experience as a PA is a prerequisite, preferably at senior level. Previous experience working in schools is not essential.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills; ability to multitask and undertake a varied range of PA duties.
• Integrity and discretion; ability to maintain confidentiality.

About Shiplake College

Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co-educational. Situated in 63 acres of countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on 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 are available from
https://www.shiplake.org.uk/about-shiplake/job-vacancies

Early applications are encouraged for this important role. 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

https://www.shiplake.org.uk/

Safeguarding and equality

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.