PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead

Orchard Learning Alliance, Reading, RG5 4RF

18 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  26 June 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  8 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £17,494.58 - £19,177.98 Annually (Actual) Grade 7 SCP 25 to 29 (£36,363 to £39,862 full time equivalent)

PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead job summary

PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead

Salary range: Grade 7 SCP 25 to 29 (£36,363 to £39,862 full time equivalent)

Actual salary: £17,494.58 to £19,177.98 per annum

Start date: September 2026

Working hours per week: Part time, 20 hours per week

Hours of work: The role is flexible to meet the needs of the business. While most of the role will be completed within the core working hours of 9am to 3pm, some evening work is also required

Location: Hybrid. 50% of time will be at the Central Office located in Woodley. This role will require travel to schools on occasion (currently Woodley, Earley, Spencers Wood and Tilehurst) and some home working is also possible.

Contract type: Permanent, term time only plus 10 additional working days (5 inset days plus 5 additional days to be agreed with CEO)

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Are you an organised, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you have a flair for communication and a passion for making an impact?

The Orchard Learning Alliance is seeking a highly capable PA to the Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead to play a key role in supporting our CEO while shaping how we communicate with our schools, staff and community.

This is a unique and varied role combining executive support with creative communications. You will work closely with the CEO, ensuring the smooth running of daily operations, while also leading our communications and marketing activity across the Trust.

What you’ll be doing:

• Providing high-level PA support to the Chief Executive Officer
• Coordinating meetings, events and Trust-wide activity
• Creating engaging content across social media, websites and marketing materials
• Managing press and media opportunities
• Strengthening internal communications and community engagement

What we’re looking for:

• A highly organised and proactive individual with excellent attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in administration and/or communications/marketing
• The ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Creativity, initiative and a “can-do” approach

Why join us?

At Orchard Learning Alliance, we are committed to delivering excellent education and building strong communities. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact, both behind the scenes and through how we share our story.

We offer:

• A flexible, hybrid working environment
• A supportive and collaborative culture
• The opportunity to develop a varied skillset across leadership support and communications

If you are looking for a role where no two days are the same and you can truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

All of our vacancies are advertised on My New Term and we can only accept applications that are submitted via this platform.

We will review applications as they are submitted, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Should you wish to have an informal conversation with a hiring manager before applying, please contact us using the following details:

Phone number: 0118 969 0336

Email: HR@orchardlearningalliance.com

The Orchard Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its schools.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Orchard Learning Alliance

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: Orchard Learning Alliance website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/waingels-academies-trust

The Orchard Learning Alliance is a family of schools dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience and serving our communities through exceptional schools. We believe that education has the power to transform lives and that by working together, as a family of schools, we will enhance the life chances of all our children by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive.

Head office location

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