Part-time PA to the Deputy Heads

The Society of Heads; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading independent school is seeking a skilled PA to support the Deputy Heads during a maternity cover for up to one year starting in October 2025. This is a part-time position offering a competitive salary and excellent working conditions. The role requires strong communication and organisational skills, with opportunities to work collaboratively in a nurturing educational environment.

Benefits

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Positive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience as a PA, preferably at a senior level.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills.
• Ability to multitask and undertake varied PA duties.

Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Heads with a variety of PA duties.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all tasks.
• Work term-time only, with potential additional hours in holidays.

Skills

Communication

Organisational

IT Skills

Multitasking

Integrity

Confidentiality

Job description

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) starting in October 2025.

Details

This is a great opportunity for the successful applicant to continue to build and develop the role.

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

Previous experience working in schools is not essential; however, experience as a PA, preferably at a senior level, is required. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills; the ability to multitask; and the capability to undertake a varied range of PA duties. Integrity, confidentiality, and a calm, approachable manner are essential.

Shiplake College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for around 540 pupils (projected to rise to over 570 in September 2025), aged 11 to 18. Since 1998, the Sixth Form has been co-educational, and from September 2023, girls have been admitted into Year 7 as the College became fully co-educational. Located in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education with small class sizes, excellent facilities, and dedicated staff.

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

Application packs and forms are available from our website. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if a suitable candidate applies.

Closing date: 10am on Friday, 4 July 2025.

Interviews will be conducted upon receipt of applications.

Visit us at: www.shiplake.org.uk

Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We are an equal opportunities employer.