PA to the Principal

We are looking for a hardworking, ambitious and dynamic PA to the Principal and HR Administrator to join Harris Academy Wimbledon, leading this new academy towards excellence. You will have excellent opportunities to engage in wider Harris Federation academy improvement and professional development activities.

About Us

Harris Academy Wimbledon opened in September 2018.  We are a brand new, co-educational 11-18 school for the High Path area. We currently have over 600 students in years 7, 8, 9 & 10 and will build year by year with an intake of 180 pupils in each year group. 

Harris Academy Wimbledon promotes high levels of academic achievement across the curriculum, encourages participation in extra-curricular opportunities and empowers students to make decisions wisely.  The curriculum is rich, diverse and personalised ensuring every student achieves his or her true potential.  Academic success goes hand-in-hand with a rich variety of enrichment and extra-curricular activities; these activities help foster a spirit of aspiration, resilience and joy in learning.  

Main Areas of Responsibility

Administration and diary management for the Principal:

• To present the professional and welcoming face of the academy to all visitors, staff and students
• To manage the Principal’s diary for all appointments and meetings
• To be the first line of contact between the Principal and any phone calls, requests from staff or visitors, ensuring only appropriate contact is made
• To manage all communications from the Principal to all employees
• To liaise with Federation admin teams and PAs across the Federation as appropriate
• To proofread documentation on behalf of the Principal
• To track delegated tasks where required
• To type up, disseminate and file all agendas and minutes for meetings involving the Principal
• To maintain the Principal’s filing systems
• To liaise with the chair of the WPA committee and support events as needed

Support for HR processes and files

• To be responsible for ensuring all visitors, third party contractors, supply and self-employed staff have the appropriate level of clearance and that safeguarding policy and DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance is adhered to at all times
• To support staff where appropriate on Academy procedures
• To complete the monthly payroll for all school staff.
• To collate and file performance appraisal documentation
• As directed by the Principal, to manage the recruitment and appointments process
• Completing documentation for contracts and bank details for payroll and HR. 
• To maintain accurate and up to date staff sickness records
• To organise and maintain confidential staff files
• To take full responsibility for the Single Central Register
• To direct staff to the correct source of information regarding any  policies.
• To manage and maintain administrative systems

Clerk to the Governing Body

• To be the clerk for Governing Body Meetings
• To liaise with academy Governors to ensure paperwork for meetings has been circulated and deal with any enquiries
• To complete any ad hoc reports for Governing Body meetings as required
• To deal with any enquiries from governors in the first instance.
• To collect any correspondence for Governors and forward as appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience

• Appropriate degree or equivalent level of education
• Trained in the use of a variety of ICT packages
• Knowledge of personal assistant roles and responsibilities
• Training in typing and formatting of a variety of documents including spreadsheets
• At least two years working in school or other educational establishment
• Experience of managing staff in relation to the PA role
• Some experience of human resources e.g. recruitment and/or monitoring attendance
• Experience of working to targets and deadlines
• Experience of managing meetings including preparation and circulation of papers, minutes and ensuring information is circulated as required
• Experience of managing diaries at a high level, including communication with a range of audiences
• Experience of managing high profile events
• Experience of developing policies, processes and procedures
• Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.