Personal Assistant to the Head

CATS Global Schools; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to work

Free flu vaccine

Free eye tests

WageStream financial wellbeing

EAP — Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay

Job summary

CATS Cambridge is seeking an organised, discreet Leadership Support Administrator to support the Head of School, managing diary, correspondence and welcoming parents, governors, staff and visitors.

This part-time role is 0.7 FTE, five days a week from 9.30am to 4.00pm with an unpaid one-hour lunch break, though some flexibility around events is possible. You will work with senior staff and support safeguarding and GDPR compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a PA, executive assistant or senior administrator.
• Excellent written and spoken English with attention to detail.
• Exceptional organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities calmly.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Absolute discretion and sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Diary and administration: Manage the Head's diary, meetings, events and travel; prepare agendas and minutes; keep the Head on track.
• Communications: Draft and send correspondence; welcome parents, pupils, staff, governors and partners; screen queries.
• Governance and school life: Support Governing Body, organise meetings, circulate papers and maintain records; liaise with SLT, HR and Admissions.
• Confidentiality and compliance: Handle sensitive information with discretion; maintain GDPR-compliant records; uphold safeguarding policies.
• Other: Support key school events such as open days and inspections as needed.

Skills

PA experience

Executive support

Organisation

MS Office

Discretion

Written English

Verbal English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

CATS College offers an outstanding international pre-university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. Students live and work at the custom built Cambridge campus, studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff. We are committed to the safeguarding, health and well-being of our students.

JOB OVERVIEW

CATS Cambridge is looking for an organised, discreet and personable Leadership Support Administrator to support the Head of School. You will be a trusted right hand to the Head, managing their diary, correspondence and communications, and acting as a welcoming first point of contact for parents, governors, staff and visitors.

This is a part-time position (0.7 FTE), working five days a week from 9.30am to 4.00pm with an unpaid one-hour lunch break, however we are open to some flexibility around this. Some flexibility may be needed around key school events with time off in lieu agreed in advance.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Diary and administration:

• Manage the Head's diary, coordinating meetings, appointments, school events and travel
• Prepare agendas, papers and briefing notes, and take minutes where required
• Anticipate the Head's needs, prioritise competing demands and keep the Head on track

Communications:

• Draft, proofread and send correspondence on the Head's behalf, including letters, emails and newsletters
• Act as first point of contact for parents, pupils, staff, governors and external partners, handling queries with tact and professionalism
• Screen calls and emails, resolving matters independently where appropriate

Governance and school life:

• Support the Governing Body, including arranging meetings, circulating papers and maintaining records
• Help organise key events such as open days, admissions activity and visits from inspectors or partners
• Liaise with the Senior Leadership Team, HR, and Admissions Team

Confidentiality and compliance:

• Handle sensitive and confidential information, including pupil, staff and governor matters, with complete discretion
• Maintain accurate filing and records in line with GDPR and school policies
• Uphold the school's safeguarding policies at all times

BENEFITS

• Cycle to work Scheme
• Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
• Free eye tests
• Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)

CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.

With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.

Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.

We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.

SAFEGUARDING

CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

PERSON SPECIFICATIONEssential:Proven experience as a PA, executive assistant or senior administratorExcellent written and spoken English, with a keen eye for detailExceptional organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities calmlyStrong IT skills, including Microsoft OfficeAbsolute discretion and sound judgementA warm, professional manner with people at all levelsDesirable:Previous experience in a school or similar educational settingExperience supporting a governing body or board