Job Description

The Role

PA to the Head


Applications are invited for the post of PA to the Head. Based at the heart of the school in the busy school office, you will provide accurate, timely, flexible and utterly confidential assistance to the Head, supporting a variety of administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the school.


We are looking for someone with sound judgement, excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders. As the main support to the Head, you will need to be organised, efficient and reliable with the ability to plan, organise and prioritise to meet deadlines. Attention to detail and strong IT skills are essential as is the ability to use your own initiative and be proactive. A sense of humour, a calm disposition and a commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes will be welcomed.


It is highly. desirable that applicants have worked in a PA role previously and that they are used to working in a busy and fast-paced environment. Although applicants may not have worked in a school before, they should be sympathetic to the mission and ethos of our independent girls' school.


Main Responsibilities

The following is an indicative rather than exhaustive list of duties:



To act as the first line of contact within the school for parents, pupils, staff, governors and others seeking contact with the Head, using discretion and tact to ensure telephone callers and visitors receive a professional response and are dealt with by the appropriate person. To organise the day-to-day time management of the Head's diary to enable her to fulfil the wide-ranging aspects of her role. To liaise with members of the academic and support staff as appropriate. To welcome and provide care for the Head's visitors, including the provision of refreshments. To ensure that the Head is in possession of all relevant information in advance of meetings, supported by the necessary documentation. To prepare reports and reply to requests for information in a style that is professional and reflects the school's vision and values. To proof read outgoing communication to ensure that it is of the highest standard. To attend and take minutes at staff meetings and any other meetings required by the Head. To maintain the smooth running of the Head's office by dealing with all administrative functions and anticipating and scheduling regular events and meetings. To maintain the school calendar and in doing so take a proactive role in ensuring the smooth running of day to day events. To lead the administration of all matters relating to visas and the UK Board Agency To work closely with colleagues in admissions, marketing and development in the organisation of school events and in the support of guests to the school. To administer girls' first aid and medication in the absence of the school nurse. To organise workload and prioritise on a daily basis using own initiative and knowledge of the work with minimal direct supervision from the Head. To respond to routine events or emergencies with equilibrium and confidence.

About the school/organisation

Founded in 1846, St Margaret's School for Girls is the oldest all-through girls' school in Scotland. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to pupils aged 3-18. Recognised by The Sunday Times as the Scottish Independent School of the Year 2020, the school enjoys a fine reputation for academic excellence, is committed to extending access and offers a challenging and enriching education within a warm and inclusive environment. Our school values of respect, equality, hard work, ambition and community are at the heart of all that we do, and from the first day of junior school, we aim to nurture the skills, resilience, self-confidence and global outlook which enable our pupils to thrive in an ever-changing world.


Further details may be found on our website: www.st-margaret.aberdeen.sch.uk.




Package Description

Remuneration and benefits


At St Margaret's staff benefit from a warm, welcoming and supportive community and a calm and purposeful learning environment where children and young people are ambitious and keen to progress. Daughters of staff who attend the school will be eligible for a 30% remission on school fees after one year's service. Employees will have the opportunity to join the school's pension scheme. St Margaret's has an Employee Assistance Programme which offers free and confidential advice on both work and personal issues.


Working Hours


Term time Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm with half an hour unpaid lunch hour


10 days to be agreed, across the school holidays.



The FTE salary for this position is 32,000



Closing date: Thursday 20th November


Interviews: Week beginning 24th November


Start date: Monday 5th January or earlier by arrangement