Job Description

Ratton School

East Sussex
32,030 - 34,188 per year

Salary:

SS Grade 9, pts 23-25, 37 hours per week, term time only + 2 weeks in holiday time.. 8.00-4.00pm Mon-Thursday, 8.00-3.30pm Friday Actual salary 29,092 gross per annum, 2424.33 gross per month, this includes holiday pay.

Job type:

Full Time, Permanent

Start date:

01 September 2025

Apply by:

8 August 2025

Job overview

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This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the strategic and operational success of the South Downs Learning Trust. This role has evolved from the Headteacher's PA position to better support the expanding needs of the Trust and its leadership team. As Executive Assistant, you will provide high-quality administrative, HR and organisational support, helping to ensure the smooth running of the Trust and its schools.


This role is more than a traditional PA role. You will be a key liaison and coordinator, working at the heart of the leadership team to support not only day-to-day operations but also wider Trust priorities and initiatives. From managing complex schedules and recruitment processes to supporting governance, events and safeguarding compliance, your work will have a meaningful impact across the organisation.


We're looking for someone who is highly organised, professional and adaptable, with outstanding communication skills and a genuine interest in education. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are confident handling sensitive information and enjoy supporting senior leaders to deliver their best--we would love to hear from you.


Please note this is a term-time plus two weeks position.

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality executive, administrative and HR support to the Headteacher of Ratton School and the Executive Headteacher of the South Downs Learning Trust. The postholder will also support leadership and operational effectiveness across the Trust, ensuring excellent service delivery, safeguarding compliance and professional communication with all stakeholders.


This role is pivotal in supporting the Trust's leadership to maintain and enhance the quality of education and wellbeing across all schools, ensuring excellent outcomes for both students and staff.________________________________________


Key Responsibilities


Executive & Administrative Support

Manage the diaries and meeting schedules for the Executive Headteacher and Headteacher, ensuring efficient sequencing and preparation. Act as the first point of contact on behalf of the Executive Headteacher and Headteacher, using discretion and professionalism when dealing with staff, parents, governors and external agencies. Manage incoming communications, including emails and post; draft and respond to correspondence with accuracy and timeliness. Produce internal communications, professional reports, presentations and publications to a high standard. Liaise with the Clerk to Trustees and Governing Committees to coordinate governance meetings and follow-up actions. Minute key meetings as required.

Events & Visitor Coordination

Organise school and Trust-wide events, conferences and training days, ensuring they are impactful, well-managed and high quality. Welcome external visitors and act as a professional ambassador for the school and Trust, ensuring hospitality arrangements are in place.

Human Resources & Recruitment

Lead on recruitment processes at Ratton School, including drafting adverts, managing candidate communication and coordinating interview logistics. Support Trust-wide recruitment processes and ensure all candidates receive an inclusive and professional experience. Maintain up-to-date and compliant personnel files and the Single Central Register in line with safeguarding and audit requirements. Provide HR administration in line with Trust policies, including support for staff well-being, induction and retention strategies.

Operational Support & Projects

Support Trust-wide operational and project-based initiatives in partnership with senior leaders. Liaise with Trust administrative colleagues at Ocklynge Junior School, visiting when required Provide occasional assistance with exam invigilation during peak periods, if required. Demonstrate flexibility to attend meetings and events outside regular hours as necessary.

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Safeguarding & Compliance Responsibilities

Promote and safeguard the welfare of children at all times, following Trust safeguarding and child protection policies. Report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL. Keep up to date with safeguarding training and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). Ensure that student and staff interactions are managed appropriately and respectfully in line with Trust behaviour and safeguarding expectations. Work in compliance with all relevant data protection and confidentiality policies.

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This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.


Person Specification


Qualifications

Educated to degree level or equivalent. Willingness to undertake ongoing professional development and training.

Knowledge and Experience

Proven track record in a similar Executive Assistant or senior administrative role. Experience supporting senior leaders and handling sensitive or confidential matters. Experience in a multi-stakeholder environment and liaison with external agencies. Familiarity with safeguarding requirements, including knowledge of child protection protocols and KCSIE. Experience working in education or a multi-academy trust (desirable). Experience managing governance or compliance documentation (desirable). Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite and general IT applications. Confident using school systems such as SIMS (or willingness to train).

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to prioritise, manage deadlines and work effectively under pressure. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise at all levels. Strong judgement, diplomacy and confidentiality in all interactions. Excellent organisation and attention to detail. Self-motivated, solution-oriented and able to work independently and flexibly.

Personal Qualities

Friendly, approachable and calm under pressure. Tactful, discreet and trustworthy. Professional appearance and behaviour at all times. Team player with a collaborative attitude and sense of initiative.
Brochure
1.33MB

Recruiter contact:

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About

Ratton School

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Ratton School

Park Avenue, Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 2XR
United Kingdom

+44 1323 504011

Executive Headteacher

Paul Murphy

Headteacher

Gavin Peevers

History and Vision

Ratton School transitioned into a converter academy in August 2012 and later merged with Ocklynge Junior School in December 2017 to establish the South Downs Learning Trust. The primary objective of our trust is to deliver an outstanding educational experience while preserving the individual identity of each school, fostering collaboration to enhance the learning environment for all learners.



Our aim is to develop a sustainable and exciting educational experience that places our learners at the centre of all that we do.

Location

Nestled in picturesque Eastbourne, known as The Sunshine Coast, Ratton School benefits from a beautiful setting surrounded by the South Downs and breathtaking countryside. Convenient transport links, including easy access to major roads and efficient train connections, make it easily accessible from London and other parts of the country.

Ofsted

In June 2022, Ofsted evaluated Ratton School as a "good" institution, affirming our commitment to providing a high-quality education that challenges and supports every learner, regardless of their background or abilities.

Benefits for Staff

Our school prides itself on providing an array of benefits for our staff, including comprehensive induction programmes, career development opportunities, mentoring by experienced leaders, access to various schemes like Bike 2 Work, an employee assistance programme, complimentary breakfast, and subsidised healthcare membership.

Commitment to Students and Community

Everything we do is centred on developing our young people to become confident, creative and caring students who achieve excellence in everything they do. Be it academically, or socially, our aim is to enable our students to grow and flourish and achieve all their potential. This means educating the whole child and giving them the skills to take the next steps on their journey when they leave us to attend further education or training, and then into the right career.

Safeguarding Notice

The South Downs Learning Trust and all our academies take notice of and adhere to all the national and local policies and guidance in regard to Safeguarding Children and Young People. We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

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