Personal Assistant

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Principal, coordinating communications, managing administrative processes and ensuring that the Academy maintains high standards of organisation, professionalism and service delivery.

This is a varied and demanding role requiring excellent organisational skills, discretion, initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities within a busy secondary school environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.

• Manage the Principal's diary, appointments, meetings and correspondence, ensuring effective prioritisation of commitments.

• Act as a professional first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including parents, staff, governors and Trust colleagues.

• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, take accurate minutes and monitor the completion of agreed actions.

• Prepare professional correspondence, reports, presentations and confidential documentation.

• Support the coordination of Academy events, meetings, visits and other activities.

• Maintain accurate records and administrative systems in accordance with Academy and Trust policies.

• Support the administration of student admissions, transfers and appeals, as directed.

• Liaise effectively with teaching staff, support staff and external agencies to ensure the timely completion of administrative tasks.

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion, ensuring compliance with data protection and safeguarding requirements.

• Work collaboratively with the Academy Operations Manager and wider administration team to ensure efficient administrative processes.

• Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in responding to the changing operational needs of the Academy.

Salary: NJC grade 13, 37 hours per week, 41 weeks a year (term time plus 3 extra weeks)

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in education.

• Commitment to employee health and wellbeing, including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme.

• Awards and Recognition Scheme.

• Flexible working patterns, subject to the requirements of the role.

• Employee Benefits Platform, including holiday discounts, cinema tickets and restaurant discounts.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

We are seeking a highly organised, enthusiastic and proactive individual who takes pride in delivering an exceptional standard of administrative support.

The successful candidate will be confident working independently, demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to build positive professional relationships across the Academy community.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Good standard of education, including GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.

• Experience of providing administrative or Personal Assistant support, preferably within an educational setting.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping and correspondence.

• A positive, flexible and solution-focused approach to work.

• Ability to remain calm, professional and effective in a busy and sometimes challenging environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and the values of Barnes Wallis Academy and the David Ross Education Trust.

Barnes Wallis Academy is part of the David Ross Education Trust and is committed to providing an outstanding education that enables every student to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an individual who shares our commitment to high standards, teamwork and continuous improvement, and who will make a positive contribution to the wider Academy community.

The David Ross Education Trust's mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best through an education that develops academically successful, confident and well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities.

Whatever your role, you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

Our aim is to be the country's top-performing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), providing exceptional educational opportunities and improving the life chances of young people.

To apply for this position, please complete the online application form via My New Term.

Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and may close the vacancy prior to the advertised closing date to review applications and shortlist candidates.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and an Enhanced DBS check.

All pre-employment checks are carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.