At Love Success, our mission is to match skilled professionals with top-tier office support jobs in London. Here we share with you the first-hand account of Natalie, and invite you to step into the shoes of a Headteacher's PA and Office Manager. You’ll discover an exciting and busy work life filled with challenges, rewards, and the joy of supporting educational excellence.
Natalie’s school day
The day begins with an air of anticipation. One thing about working in the support team in a school is that no two days are ever the same. I work in a large London academy and my job always presents something new. So, armed with my to-do list, I eagerly embrace the unique responsibilities that I’ve got on my plate today.
It’s a balancing act
Working as a headteacher’s PA, as well as managing the main office, often requires a delicate balance of tasks. Mornings are dedicated to scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and ensuring the headteacher's day is off to a smooth start. Precision and efficiency are vital. Communicating with the rest of the team is essential too.
As the Headteacher's PA, I am often the first point of contact for parents, staff, and students. This role demands patience, empathy, and exceptional communication skills. Whether it's addressing concerns or offering a warm welcome, fostering a positive school environment is paramount.
Office mastery
As the Office Manager, I oversee the administrative heart of the school. From maintaining records to coordinating with support staff, my role is to ensure the school runs like a well-oiled machine. It's a responsibility I cherish – I get a lot of pleasure from seeing my systems and processes work smoothly and efficiently.
Lunch time
Our school is quite central, but close to a park, so at lunch I take a brief respite in some green space as it’s an opportunity to recharge. I spot some students where they shouldn’t be, so that slightly interrupts my peaceful lunch, but it’s important that I’m a consistent member of the school community. Once they’ve been sent back to school, I follow to ensure they get there!
Through the afternoon
The afternoon is an exciting blend of responsibilities. It involves everything from managing office budgets and supervising administrative staff to assisting the headteacher with strategic planning. Once the students have left for the day, peace ensues, but we’re then busy supporting senior leadership meetings.
Effective collaboration is essential in this role. I work closely with teachers, support staff, and parents to ensure the school community thrives. Coordinating events, supporting educational initiatives, and resolving operational challenges are all in a day's work.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is witnessing the growth and development of students over their years in the school. It’s surprising how important my role is for fostering a sense of unity and personal growth within the school community.
At the end of the day
As the day draws to a close, I take a moment to reflect on what’s left to do on my list, and consider priorities for the rest of the week. I really enjoy working in office support but within a school because it’s a real mix of responsibility and fulfilment. Holidays off is also great!
Being a Headteacher's PA and Office Manager in London is more than a job; it's a privilege. It's about playing a pivotal role in shaping a school and the educational journey of countless students.
Love Success and school roles
Many large London schools turn to us to fill their office support, PA and administrative roles. If these roles appeal to you, please register.