Oakwood Secondary School Horley
PA to the Headteacher
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Surrey Pay Grade 7 36 hours per week, 40 weeks per year (Term Time plus 1 week) Required: January 2027
An exciting opportunity to play a key role in a thriving school
We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our next PA to the Headteacher, providing high-level executive and administrative support at the heart of our school.
This is a varied, fast-paced and rewarding role requiring a highly organised professional who can manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and maintain absolute confidentiality. Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the Headteacher's office while supporting strategic school priorities and key stakeholder relationships.
You will act as a trusted professional partner to the Headteacher, providing proactive support, anticipating needs, and ensuring that deadlines, communications and priorities are managed effectively.
The Role
The Successful Candidate Will
- Provide comprehensive and confidential support to the Headteacher.
- Manage a complex and demanding diary, ensuring effective prioritisation of commitments.
- Draft, edit and manage correspondence on behalf of the Headteacher.
- Coordinate meetings, events and school functions, including preparing agendas, papers and presentations.
- Take accurate minutes and monitor actions arising from meetings.
- Support the work of Governors, including the organisation of meetings and preparation of documentation.
- Act as a key point of contact for parents, staff, governors and external agencies.
- Handle sensitive matters with diplomacy, professionalism and discretion.
- Maintain accurate records and information systems, ensuring compliance with data protection requirements.
- Support school improvement priorities through the provision of high-quality administrative and project support.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to ensure the smooth operation of school business.
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About You
We are looking for an exceptional individual who:
- Has significant experience providing high-level administrative, PA or executive support and is able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and competing demands with confidence.
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills, outstanding attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality correspondence, reports and documentation.
- Handles confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Builds positive and effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, governors, parents and external partners.
- Is confident using Microsoft Office and other digital systems, works independently, uses initiative and solves problems effectively.
- Remains calm, professional and adaptable in a busy environment and is committed to delivering excellent support to senior leaders.
- Ideally has experience within an educational setting, including supporting senior leaders, governance activities, projects or large-scale events.
What We Offer
At Oakwood School, we value our staff and recognise the contribution they make to our success. We offer:
- A welcoming and inclusive school community
- A highly supportive leadership team.
- A school that values pastoral care and student wellbeing.
- High-quality professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to shape and develop behaviour provision.
- A rewarding role with significant impact on students' lives.
- Competitive salary package and benefits aligned with sector standards
- Discounted gym membership
- EV charging points at preferential rates
- Access to an employee discount platform with savings on cinemas, shopping, dining, travel, and everyday purchases.
- Plentiful staff enrichment activities
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Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity for a highly capable and motivated professional to work at the centre of school leadership. We are looking for someone who is not simply an administrator, but a trusted colleague who can provide the organisation, professionalism and attention to detail that enables our Headteacher and wider leadership team to focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for our students.
Application Process
Interested Candidates Are Invited To Submit
- A completed Oakwood School application form.
- A cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.
Please send your application to recruitment@oakwood.surrey.sch.uk by 9am Monday 2nd November 2026.
Interviews will take place week commencing w/c Monday 9th November 2026
PLEASE NOTE, INTERVIEWS MAY TAKE PLACE SOONER FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE SO PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Curriculum Vitae will not be accepted
Oakwood School reserves the right to withdraw this advert early should circumstances change.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Oakwood School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020.
Oakwood School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
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