Personal Assistant to the Headteacher

Sapientia Education Trust; Attleborough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Buckenham High School, near Attleborough, is seeking a highly organised Personal Assistant to the Headteacher. The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative and secretarial support, coordinating daily staff cover, overseeing key processes and acting as a main point of contact for staff, parents and external agencies.

This role requires discretion, excellent communication and strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitask in a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• High-level administrative or secretarial experience.
• Experience with diary management.
• Proven ICT skills and experience with management information systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level administrative support to the Headteacher.
• Coordinate daily staff cover arrangements.
• Oversee key administrative processes.
• Act as main contact for staff, parents, the Trust and external agencies.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Diary management

Multitasking

Discretion

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE English & Mathematics (Grade 4+)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Job description

Personal Assistant to the Headteacher

Location: Attleborough

Salary: Support Staff SCP18 £32, £34,811 per annum, Scale Point £28,028 - £30,470 pro rata per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week

Old Buckenham High School is a small yet vibrant school situated in the heart of the beautiful Norfolk countryside. With an idyllic rural location, we are less than 30 minutes drive from Norwich, offering the perfect balance of peaceful surroundings and easy access to the city.

Currently, we have around 500 students aged between 11 and 16 years. Our vision is to provide an inspiring, challenging, and inclusive learning environment, driven by high-quality, evidence-based teaching. We hold traditional values and are incredibly proud of our excellent pastoral care, guidance, and support, ensuring all students feel valued and nurtured.

At Old Buckenham High School, we are passionate about creating a strong, positive community ethos, where mutual respect and high standards are at the core of everything we do. We aim to develop brilliant young people who are hardworking, respectful, and committed to contributing to the community around them. As a school on an exciting journey of improvement, we are building on our previous successes. Our most recent inspection praised us with a Good rating across all aspects, and we are determined to continue building on this strong foundation.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and professional individual to join our school as Personal Assistant to the Headteacher. This is a varied and influential role that combines high-level administrative and secretarial support.

The successful candidate will provide exceptional support to the Headteacher, helping to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the school. They will coordinate daily staff cover arrangements, oversee key administrative processes, and act as a key point of contact for staff, parents/carers, the Trust and external agencies.

The role requires outstanding organisational and communication skills, absolute discretion, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced school environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual who enjoys taking ownership, working collaboratively and making a significant contribution to the life of a successful and supportive school community.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The professional competencies expected of the PA to the Headteacher:

• The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully using appropriate methods and an awareness of the impact of your own communication on others.
• Able to maintain positive relationships with others and work effectively and flexibly as part of a team; willing to adapt working methods routines to benefit the team.
• Able to multitask and work effectively under pressure.
• Flexible and resilient in managing and carrying out daily responsibilities.
• Able to demonstrate strong planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for your own actions.
• The ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and accept challenges.

The qualifications and experience required of the PA to the Headteacher are:

• A minimum of a grade 4 (or equivalent) in GCSE English and Mathematics.
• Proven administrative experience and proficiency in ICT systems, particularly Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Experience of providing high-level administrative or executive support.
• Experience of diary management and prioritisation of competing demands.
• Experience of working with confidential information.
• Strong ICT skills and experience using management information systems.

JOB SPECIFICATION

General Responsibilities

The PA to the Headteacher provides a high-quality, confidential and professional service, supporting the Headteacher across all aspects of their role. The post-holder acts as an ambassador for the School and the Headteacher, maintaining a professional and welcoming approach at all times. They are responsible for managing and prioritising their own workload on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently, accurately and within agreed timescales

Closing Date: 9th November 2026

Interviews to be held: week commencing 16th November 2026

Spaientia Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff must be prepared to undergo several vetting checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust reserves the right to withdraw offers of employment where checks or references are deemed to be unsatisfactory.