Personal assistant vacancy at Auckland Park Preparatory School opens until 18 October 2025

Auckland Park Preparatory School is currently looking for a proactive and organised Personal Assistant to their Headmistress, with a start date of 1 November 2025, though this is negotiable. This crucial role requires a dynamic individual with strong administrative and strategic skills to manage the Headmistress’s office, handle communications, and support various stakeholders. If you have 3-4 years of executive support experience and are keen to contribute to a vibrant educational setting, applications are welcomed until 18 October 2025. You can find more details about this exciting opportunity on the original vacancy listing.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Position: Personal Assistant to the Headmistress
• Institution: Auckland Park Preparatory School
• Commencement Date: 1 November 2025 (negotiable)
• Application Closing Date: 18 October 2025
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Headmistress
• Minimum Educational Background: Matriculation certificate (NQF Level 4)
• Highly Advantageous Qualification: Tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• Professional Experience: 3-4 years in executive support or school administration
• Key Attributes Sought: Discretion, professionalism, self-motivation, strong initiative, creative problem-solving, excellent organisational skills, resilience, adaptability, ability to manage competing priorities, team-player, flexibility with working hours.
• Technical Skills Required: Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with school management information systems (e.g., EdAdmin) is an advantage. Excellent written, verbal, and research skills.
• Documentation Required for Application: Comprehensive curriculum vitae, a covering letter explaining suitability, and contact details for professional referees.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Auckland Park Preparatory School is seeking a dedicated and energetic Personal Assistant to provide comprehensive support to its Headmistress. This pivotal role, commencing on 1 November 2025 (with some flexibility on the start date), is ideal for someone who can offer high-level administrative and organisational assistance, ensuring the Headmistress’s office runs smoothly and effectively. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing calendars, travel arrangements, and communications, as well as serving as an essential link between the Headmistress and various internal and external stakeholders, including parents, pupils, and educational partners.

The school is looking for an individual with sharp strategic thinking skills, a commitment to their role, and a proactive approach. Candidates should possess strong initiative, excellent problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to engage respectfully with all members of the school community. Essential requirements include a Matriculation certificate, with a tertiary qualification in a relevant field being a significant advantage. Applicants must also have 3-4 years of experience in either executive support or school administration. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office applications is crucial, and experience with school management information systems like EdAdmin would be beneficial. The role demands flexibility with working hours, as some school functions or meetings may occur during evenings or weekends.

Auckland Park Preparatory School promotes equal opportunities and is committed to safeguarding child welfare. All staff undergo thorough vetting procedures. The school reserves the right not to fill the position, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
• Write a covering letter that clearly explains your suitability for the Personal Assistant to the Headmistress position.
• Provide contact details for your professional referees.
• Submit all required documentation to Yvette Rakobila via email at [email protected].
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of 18 October 2025.

Institution details

Name: Auckland Park Preparatory School

Please note that specific website and physical address details for the school were not provided in the original vacancy text.

Questions a potential candidate might have and how to be a preferred candidate

• Q: What kind of personality thrives in this role?
  A: The school is looking for someone dynamic, passionate, energetic, and proactive. You should be self-motivated with strong initiative and excellent problem-solving abilities. Highlight examples in your CV and cover letter where you demonstrated these traits.
• Q: How important is discretion and professionalism?
  A: These are consistently listed as key responsibilities. Any candidate must be able to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and maintain a professional demeanour at all times. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled confidential matters in previous roles.
• Q: Is flexibility with working hours genuinely required?
  A: Yes, the vacancy explicitly states flexibility with working hours, including evenings and weekends, for school functions, meetings, or events. Be prepared to confirm your availability for such demands.
• Q: What software skills are essential?
  A: Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office applications is crucial. Familiarity with school management information systems (like EdAdmin) is a significant advantage. Showcase your advanced skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook in your application.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my organisational skills effectively?
  A: Provide concrete examples in your application of how you’ve managed competing priorities, maintained accurate records, and implemented efficient filing systems under pressure. Highlight your ability to manage complex calendars and travel arrangements.
• Q: What does “contribute positively within a collaborative, community-focused team environment” mean?
  A: This suggests the school values teamwork and a supportive atmosphere. Emphasise any experience where you successfully collaborated with colleagues, engaged with parents or pupils, and contributed to a positive work culture.
• Q: How can I show my understanding of the school’s mission and values?
  A: Research Auckland Park Preparatory School’s mission, values, and traditions if publicly available. Weave this understanding into your covering letter, explaining how your personal values align with theirs and how you would uphold them in your role.
• Q: Is a tertiary qualification mandatory?
  A: While a Matriculation certificate (NQF Level 4) is the minimum, a tertiary qualification in a relevant field is highly advantageous. If you have one, ensure it’s prominently featured and explained in your application.
• Q: What kind of referees should I provide?
  A: Professional referees who can speak to your executive support or administrative experience, your work ethic, discretion, and ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the vacancy.
• Q: What should I do if I don’t hear back within two weeks of the closing date?
  A: As stated in the important information, if you haven’t received communication within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. The school is committed to POPIA compliance, so respect their process.
• Q: How important is safeguarding and child welfare at the school?
  A: It’s extremely important. The school explicitly states its dedication to safeguarding and promoting child welfare, with all staff undergoing thorough vetting. Emphasise any prior experience or understanding of safeguarding policies.

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