Educational Operations Assistant to the Senior Deputy Basic

About the school

St Catherine’s School is a thriving, prestigious independent school set on a picturesque 25-acre campus. It provides a warm and supportive working environment for staff and pupils alike.

The role

Term-time plus three weeks, 30 hours per week over five days. St Catherine’s School seeks a proactive and highly organised Educational Operations Assistant to deliver high-level executive and operational support to the Senior Deputy Head. The successful candidate will manage complex operations, oversee flagship school events, lead discrete projects and streamline administrative processes. Advanced digital fluency, immaculate attention to detail and a calm, solution-focused mindset are essential. Experience in education is desirable, though transferable high-level administrative skills are equally valued.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Senior Deputy Head’s complex diary, coordinate briefing papers, prepare high-quality reports and monitor progress on strategic initiatives.
• Maintain the master school calendar via the Involve system, working with staff to eliminate clashes across trips, assessments and major events.
• Lead the planning and execution of major school occasions, including Speech Day, the annual Carol Service, visiting speakers and staff training days.
• Act as a professional first point of contact for staff, draft school-wide bulletins, external communications and announcements.
• Provide administrative support for educational visits, including risk assessments and approvals, and collaborate with HR on staff recruitment, onboarding and CPD tracking.
• Support the delivery of strategic and operational projects, identify opportunities to improve systems and workflows, and gather operational data for executive dashboards.

Requirements

• Proven experience in senior executive support, complex administration or office management roles.
• Clear, warm and professional verbal and written communication skills, with the diplomacy to handle sensitive situations.
• Advanced skills across modern office software, CRMs and database systems, with the ability to present data clearly.
• Strong organisational ability to manage multiple deadlines, venue logistics and complex schedules.
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence and discretion, together with a genuine commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of young people.

Benefits & package

• Flexible part-time hours: 30-hour work week over five days, plus three weeks during school holidays.
• Generous pension scheme with up to 12% employer contribution.
• Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
• Health Cash Plan, complimentary daily lunches during term time and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free parking on the school campus.

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob. The closing date is 10am on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.