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Vacancy

Headteacher’s Personal Assistant with additional responsibility for personnel and office management

  • Work alongside passionate and dedicated staff in a school that is committed to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • We provide a unique opportunity to work in a respected school focused on academic excellence and student development.
  • Gillingham School is situated in the beautiful Dorset countryside, offering a peaceful and picturesque working environment while still being well-connected to nearby towns and cities.
Closing Date: 27th April 2026
Employer: Dorset Council

 

Application Documents:

Gillingham School Vacancy Application Form [Word Document]

Gillingham School Vacancy Application Form [PDF]

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Gillingham School Vacancy Headteacher's Personal Assistant

Gillingham School is seeking to appoint a full-time highly organised, professional and discreet Headteacher’s Personal Assistant with additional responsibility for Personnel and Office Management to play a central role in the effective running of the school. This is a key post within our administrative and leadership structure, suited to an efficient, adaptable individual who enjoys working in a busy school environment and has experience of HR administration, compliance and confidential work. The administrative team at Gillingham School work tirelessly alongside our teaching colleagues to provide all our students and their families with the best possible educational opportunities whilst with us at school.

 

Personal Assistant to the Headteacher

Provide comprehensive PA support to the Headteacher

Manage the Headteacher’s diary, correspondence and appointments

Prepare agendas, reports and minutes for leadership, governance and other meetings

Act as a professional point of contact for staff, governors, parents and external agencies

Manage highly confidential information with tact, discretion and integrity

 

Human Resources Responsibilities

Administer recruitment, selection and appointment processes

Lead safer recruitment procedures, including DBS checks and pre-employment vetting

Maintain accurate and compliant staff personnel records

Administer contracts, contract variations, absences and payroll liaison

Support line managers with HR processes and policy application

Assist in ensuring compliance with employment legislation and school policies

 

Ideal candidate

Have proven experience in a senior administrative or PA role

Have experience of HR administration (school or public sector experience desirable)

Be highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities

Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Confident handling sensitive and confidential matters

IT-literate, with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and information systems

Calm, professional and resilient in a fast-paced environment

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions.

Gillingham School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.