Executive Assistant to the Head

Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Ipswich is seeking a professional Executive Assistant to support the Head. The role involves managing schedules, facilitating meetings, and maintaining records. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills and prior experience in a similar role, preferably within an educational setting. Competitive salary of £31,049 per annum with generous benefits including free lunches and staff wellness programs.

Benefits

Free lunch in the school dining hall

Access to the swimming pool and fitness gym

Wellbeing app access

Qualifications

• Must possess exemplary organizational skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Experience in an educational environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level executive support to the Head.
• Manage the Head's diary and facilitate meetings.
• Produce documents and reports as needed.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Discretion

Communication skills

Education

Prior experience as a PA or Executive Assistant

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Executive Assistant to the Head role at Suffolk Jobs Direct.

The Ipswich School post described below is a separate position with its own application process. The information here reflects the Executive Assistant to the Head role and the employer as listed.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, high-level executive and secretarial support to the Head.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the Head, exercising discretion and initiative to ensure professional handling of staff, visitors, and external contacts.
• Manage the Head’s diary, facilitate meetings, and prepare documents and reports.
• Support recruitment and appointment processes for teaching staff; manage files and records; ensure key events in the school calendar run smoothly.
• Line management responsibility for the Academic PAs and Secretaries within the Senior School.
• Maintain exemplary organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Demonstrate discretion, tact, and confidentiality at all times.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Prior experience as a PA or Executive Assistant; experience in an educational environment is highly desirable.
• Strong organisational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines, and a professional approach to dealing with staff, parents, pupils, governors and visitors.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

• Permanent post; probationary period of 6 months.
• Term-time hours are typically 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (35 weeks per year) with a one-hour unpaid lunch break (7.5 hours/day, 37.5 hours/week).
• During school holidays, hours are typically 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break (7 hours/day) for up to 25 days, with arrangements to be agreed with the Head.
• Occasional events outside normal school hours may be required; time off in lieu or additional hours may be claimed via timesheet.
• Salary: £31,049.72 per annum (including holiday pay as required by the Working Time Regulations).
• Monthly pay by BACS in arrears; salary reviewed annually, with the first review in September 2026.
• Free lunch during term time when the kitchen is operational; access to swimming pool and fitness gym; wellbeing app with 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
• Eligibility to join a defined contribution pension scheme after 3 months’ service or in line with pension legislation; employer contributions and life cover included.

How to Apply

• Please download the job description and application form from the employer website or email [e-mail] to obtain the required documents.
• Completed applications should be returned by noon on 12 September 2025 to The Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG. If submitting electronically, email to [e-mail].
• Indicate any special requirements for interview and the preferred format if accommodation is needed.
• Closing date: 12 September 2025. Interview date: 23 and 24 September 2025.
• Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening; a criminal record does not necessarily bar employment.

About the Team & Important Notes

For further details about the team and applying, follow the instructions above. This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form; the “Apply Now” button may only create a job alert.