Personal Assistant to the Principal (PA to Headteacher)
Sullivan Upper School, Holywood, Co. Down BT18
Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: £34,434 – £37,280 (NJC Points 23–26)
Are you an experienced Personal Assistant ready to play a key role in a leading school environment?
Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility role where discretion and organisation are essential?
Sullivan Upper School is seeking an exceptional, highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Principal in delivering both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the school.
This is a pivotal role at the centre of school life, requiring discretion, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Why Join Sullivan Upper School?
Be part of a well-established, high-achieving and respected grammar school with a strong reputation for academic excellence
Work closely with senior leadership, playing a key role in supporting strategic decision-making
Join a professional, collaborative and supportive staff community
Enjoy a varied and influential role with real impact across the school
Benefit from a competitive salary and public sector terms and conditions
The Role
You will provide high-level executive support to the Principal while contributing to the smooth and professional running of the school.
Key responsibilities include:
Manage the Principal’s diary, meetings, travel, and communications
Prepare briefings, agendas, and documentation
Attend meetings, take minutes, and track follow-up actions
Handle confidential correspondence with discretion
Coordinate visitors and hospitality
Provide administrative support to Principal
Governance & Strategic Support
Support Senior Leadership Team and a number of Governors’ meetings (agendas, papers, minutes)
Assist with School Development Plan and key strategic initiatives
Support safeguarding, health & safety, and governance processes
Office Leadership & Operations
Line manage the school office team and oversee daily operations
Maintain high standards across reception and school office
Ensure efficient and professional administrative systems
Admissions & Stakeholder Engagement
Support admissions and SEAG transfer processes
Liaise with parents, feeder schools, and external stakeholders
Manage communications, newsletters, and website updates
Events & Systems
Support major school events such as Open Days and Prize Day
Maintain MIS systems (e.g. SIMS) and ensure data accuracy
Support GDPR compliance and data integrity
About You
Proven experience in a senior PA or executive support role
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong attention to detail; Highly proficient in handling sensitive and confidential information
Experience leading or supervising staff
High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and strong general digital literacy
Professional, calm, and able to work under pressure
Safeguarding
Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced vetting and background checks.
Apply Today, Closing Date Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon
Additional relevant skills: Personal Assistant, PA, Executive Assistant, Senior PA, Office Manager, Administration Manager