Personal Assistant

Abingdon School; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave + bank holidays

Employer pension contribution 14.1%

Death in Service Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Private healthcare insurance

Flexible working from home

Free lunches during term time

Cycle to work scheme

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Abingdon School in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is seeking a organised Personal Assistant to support the Head and Clerk to the Governors. The role covers multiple campuses and governance, coordinating complex schedules and confidential systems. You will work across leadership teams to ensure smooth operations.

The position is permanent and part-time, 40 hours weekly during term time with additional hours in the evenings, weekends, and school holidays. DBS safeguarding compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• PA or EA experience at senior level.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication.
• Strong IT proficiency including Google Suite and databases.
• Exceptional organisational skills under pressure.
• Absolute confidentiality and discretion.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of school administration and committee management.
• Commitment to safeguarding and protecting children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Head's office operations including incoming communications, correspondence management, document drafting and financial budget maintenance
• Maintain the Head's diary, arrange meetings, catering, accommodation and travel bookings
• Take minutes at meetings and interviews; manage the Complaints Log and Pupil Sanctions Log
• Organise major events including Prize Giving, Open Days and Scholars' Ceremonies
• Support the Clerk to the Governors by scheduling meetings, arranging facilities, minuting governance meetings and maintaining action logs
• Liaise with pupils, parents, teachers, governors and external contacts on behalf of the Head
• Oversee pupil leaving processes and handle induction arrangements for new governors

Skills

Exec. assistant exp

Diary management

Communication skills

Google Suite

Discretion

Independent worker

School admin

Tools

Google Suite

Databases

Scheduling tools

Job description

Are you organised, detail-oriented and ready to support a busy Head? Abingdon School has an exciting Personal Assistant opportunity!

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Salary: £38,032 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, Part-Time

Hours: 40 hours per week, 8.30am - 5.00pm (30 minute unpaid lunch break) during term time, plus additional work during evenings, weekends and school holidays

Closing Date: Thursday 24 September 2026, 9.00am

About Us

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Personal Assistant - The Role

You will provide high-level administrative and organisational support to the Head and assist the Clerk to the Governors. Working across Abingdon School, Abingdon Preparatory School, Tilsley Park and The Manor Prep as required, you will manage a busy office environment, maintain confidential systems and processes, coordinate complex schedules, and support both the leadership team and governing body. This role requires someone who can work independently, use their own initiative and adapt to the changing needs of the school environment.

Personal Assistant - Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Head's office operations including incoming communications, correspondence management, document drafting and financial budget maintenance
• Maintain the Head's diary, arrange meetings, catering, accommodation and travel bookings
• Take minutes at meetings and interviews; manage the Complaints Log and Pupil Sanctions Log
• Organise major events including Prize Giving, Open Days and Scholars' Ceremonies
• Support the Clerk to the Governors by scheduling meetings, arranging facilities, minuting governance meetings and maintaining action logs
• Liaise with pupils, parents, teachers, governors and external contacts on behalf of the Head
• Oversee pupil leaving processes and handle induction arrangements for new governors

Personal Assistant - You

• PA or Executive Assistant experience at senior level
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with high literacy standards
• Strong IT proficiency including Google Suite and experience with databases and scheduling tools
• Exceptional organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision
• Understanding of school administration and committee management
• Commitment to safeguarding and protecting children and young people

Benefits

• You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays
• Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
• Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private healthcare insurance
• We may be able to offer flexible working from home
• Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
• Free lunches during term time
• Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas closure days
• Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
• There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
• We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
• We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses

Closing Date: Thursday 24 September 2026, 9.00am

Interview Date: 5 October 2026

We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants.

Early applications are encouraged. We may make an appointment prior to the advertised closing or interview dates.

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.