Executive Assistant (Support staff role)
Ratton School, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2XR16 days remaining to apply
Earliest start date
1 September 2025
Latest start date
12 September 2025
Closing date
8 August 2025 at 3pm
Date listed
22 July 2025
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Monday to Friday, term time only plus 2 weeks holiday work. Hours are 8.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 3.30pm on Friday. (30 minute unpaid break)
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- LPS SS Scale 9 Pts 23-25 £32,030 to £34,188 fte
Hourly rate
- £17.72 per hour
What skills and experience we're looking for
ABOUT THIS ROLE 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.
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.
What the school offers its staff
STAFF BENEFITS & INCENTIVES At the South Downs Learning Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment for our staff. We believe in attracting, retaining and nurturing talented professionals who share our commitment to education. To support this goal, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance wellbeing, encourage professional growth and ensure a positive work-life balance.
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION
Comprehensive Induction
Programme 📚 A thorough induction to ensure a seamless transition into your role at Ratton School.
Career Development and
CPD 🎓 Professional development opportunities tailored to your career aspirations and goals.
Support and Mentoring 👥 Ongoing support from Senior Leadership Team and experienced mentors to help guide your career progression.
Bike to Work Scheme 🚴 Salary sacrifice scheme offering discounts on bikes and equipment.
Complimentary Breakfast 🍽️ Enjoy a free daily breakfast, including a choice of bagels, cereal, porridge and tea.
Employee Assistance
Programme 🧑⚕️ Confidential advice, counselling and support for personal and professional challenges.
Staffroom Amenities ☕ Complimentary tea and coffee available in our staffroom to relax and recharge.
Benenden Health
Membership 🏥 Subsidised membership with Benenden Healthcare for additional health support.
On-Site Parking 🚗 Free, secure on-site parking for staff.
Childcare Support 👶 Free Breakfast Club or After School Club places for Trust staff with children at Ocklynge Junior School.
Exclusive Sports
Membership 🏋️♀️ Discounts at Eastbourne Sports Park to promote physical health & wellness
Further information about the job
IMPORTANT DATES AND HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please submit a completed application form (CVs will not be accepted). · If you download the application form from our Vacancies page at Vacancies | Ratton, please email your completed form to: Mrs Comfort, Executive Business Manager at tcomfort@ratton.co.uk
- Alternatively, you can apply directly via TES or Gov.UK platforms.
Closing Date: 4pm Friday 8th August 2025 Interview Date: Wednesday 20 August 2025
Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to review applications as they are received and may close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found.
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Commitment to safeguarding
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.
Applying for the job
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobUpload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Ratton School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1197 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Ratton School website
- Email address
- tcomfort@ratton.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01323 514310
As a member school of the South Downs Learning Trust, we are committed to providing a safe and enriching learning environment for all our learners. We pride ourselves on ensuring that all members of staff play a key role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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.
Arranging a visit to Ratton School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tcomfort@ratton.co.uk.
School location
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