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.