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 )
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?
* 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.
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