Job Description

Role: PA to Principal and Office Manager
Academy: Outwood Academy Acklam
Start Date: 01/09/2026
Salary (Actual Salary): £27,441-£28,353
Working Pattern: 37 Hours Per Week, Monday to Friday, Term Time only 15 days

Do you thrive in a high-level support role where efficiency is paramount? Join us as a PA to Principal/Office Manager, a critical position focused on providing efficient and effective support to the Principal. You will also take responsibility for managing the administrative functions across the academy, acting as the first point of contact for complaints addressed to the Principal and managing sensitive documentation like exclusions.

Welcome from the Principal:

Thank you for your interest in Outwood Academy Acklam.

As Principal, I'm incredibly proud of our GOOD-rated, vibrant, and diverse 11-16 academy in Middlesbrough. We have nearly 1,200 students who benefit from our spectacular building, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong, inclusive community.

Our energetic and passionate academic and pastoral teams are committed to making a significant impact. This is evident in our consistently improving student outcomes, including being the highest performing school in the town on the Fairer Schools Index with 'Well Above Average' progress. Everything we do is driven by our ACKLAM values.

We are an outward-facing school that celebrates diversity and widens opportunities for both our students and the community. Staff love working here, and we trust you will too. We encourage you to submit an application or come for a look around.

About the school

Outwood Academy Acklam, the first Outwood school in Teesside, has an enrollment of almost 1200 students each academic year. In its most recent assessment, it was recognized as a GOOD school.

The academy is a vibrant and diverse 11-16 academy. Our exceptional academic and pastoral teams are here to provide you with the necessary tools to make a significant and lasting impact on students. The academy offers effective care and support for students, particularly those with special needs, and with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, it provides the perfect environment for anyone dedicated to empowering their students.

Safeguarding notice

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.”

The academy benefits from being part of the Outwood Family of Schools, and we intend that every member of staff receives CPD appropriate to the role.

To view the job description for this role, please click here

To view the personal specification for this role, please click here

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role please contact Chloe Donnelly at c.donnelly@acklam.outwood.com.

If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Chloe Donnelly (HR Assistant) at c.donnelly@acklam.outwood.com.

The role provides efficient and effective support to the Principal in all aspects of their duties and manages the administrative functions of the academy. Key responsibilities include confidential administrative support for the Principal and Vice Principals, managing the Principal's diary, and line management (including performance management) of academy administration staff. The post holder serves as the first point of contact for complaints addressed to the Principal and manages the administration of exclusion letters and documentation. Additional duties include clerking Academy Council meetings (preparing agendas and taking minutes) and liaising with the Local Academy Council and external agencies.

• To view the Job Description please click here

Applicants must possess experience working in a PA role or suitable administrative experience. Experience of leading, managing, and motivating staff and providing clear vision is required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences, and the crucial ability to respect and maintain confidentiality. The ability to use standard ICT packages, including Microsoft Office, is also essential. A relevant Level 3 qualification (e.g., in Business Admin) is desirable.

• To view the Person Specification please click here

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance:

• Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.

• Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis)

• Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive role where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply now.

• Further Information on employee benefits can be found Click Here

• To find our more about working for Outwood and to read a message from our CEO please Click Here

Note: If applying from an external job board, please click 'Apply' to access the working links on the Outwood Careers page

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.