Part-time PA to the Deputy Heads

TES FE News; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school near Henley-on-Thames seeks a skilled PA to support the Deputy Heads on a maternity cover for up to one year. The role involves 26 hours a week during term time, providing an excellent opportunity for development while contributing to a supportive educational environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Excellent working environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a PA, preferably at senior level.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a calm, approachable manner.

Responsibilities

• Assist the two Deputy Heads with various PA duties.
• Work during term time only, with some additional holiday weeks.
• Manage multiple tasks and maintain high standards of integrity.

Skills

Communication

Organisational

IT skills

Multitasking

Integrity

Job description

Job Overview

Maternity Cover (for up to one year) to start in October 2025

26 hours per week, term time only plus INSET

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.

Previous experience working in schools is not essential; however, previous experience as a PA is a prerequisite – preferably at senior level. The successful applicant will have excellent communication, organisational and IT skills; the ability to multitask, together with the skills needed to undertake a varied range of PA duties. Essential to the role is integrity, maintaining confidentiality and a calm and approachable manner.

About Shiplake College

Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 540 pupils (anticipated to rise to over 570 in September 2025) 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 beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Free lunches
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to gym and sporting facilities
• Excellent working environment

Application Process

A candidate pack and application form are available from www.shiplake.org.uk/vacancies. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Closing Date: 10am on Friday, 4 July 2025

Interviews will be held upon receipt of applications.

For more information, visit www.shiplake.org.uk.

Safeguarding Statement

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