PA to Principal / Office Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated PA to Principal / Office Manager to join our successful team at The Portsmouth Academy from January 2025. 

In this role you will be responsible for the organisation and efficient management of the school office ensuring the execution of all office activities. This includes the line management of office and administration staff. You will manage the day-to-day operations such as correspondence, record-keeping, compliance and communication with staff, parents and stakeholders.

Additionally, you will act as the Clerk to the Governors, oversee recruitment processes, assist with HR related tasks and maintain an accurate Single Central Register.

This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our school office and providing essential support to the Principal.

What you will need to succeed:

For a full list of responsibilities please see the attached Job description

• Ability to manage conflicting demands, deadlines and interruptions
• Systematic approach to a varied administrative task load whilst working to tight deadlines
• Excellent administration skills, with a high level of efficiency, accuracy and confidentiality
• Experience of leading, coaching and motivating a team
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365
• An ability to work with minimal supervision and direction as well as multi task and use initiative

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our students and supporting the leadership of our school!

About Us

The Portsmouth Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy’s vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self-reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.

‘Pupils are happy at school and proud to be members of its community’ – Ofsted

We are a “Microsoft Showcase School” due to our approach to digital learning. The academy has launched a one:one device policy, so every child in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 has their own laptop, and we are particular interested in finding teachers who have experience of, or would like to develop experience of, teaching with technology.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South East, South and the South West. 

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.

Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:

• Think about their Thinking
• Be their Best self
• Shape their Success

In this way we transform life chances

What our Trust will offer you: 

•  Competitive Pay Scales
• Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance. 
• Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Training: Expanded your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.  
• Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice. 
• Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings. 
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• TSAT Benefits portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership. 
• Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!

Next steps: 

If you are interested in working in our school, benefitting from a supportive network of teachers across our large academy and our Trust and you are keen to progress your career, then please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. 

To arrange an informal conversation please contact Nicky Brown Nicky.Brown@tpa.tsat.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk