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The role played by support staff is absolutely critical to the ongoing success of any good school – and this is certainly the case at OHS. As such, we recognise and value the fundamental importance of our support staff – whether that’s our maintenance team, catering staff or various admin teams. Wherever you work, therefore, and whatever your specialism, you can rely on being valued, supported and rewarded.

With fantastic benefits, a challenging and stimulating workplace and the opportunity to make a difference in girls’ lives, OHS is a truly wonderful place to work.

 

Chair of the Local School Governing Board

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OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL, GDST.
Are you interested in school leadership and/or the education of young people?  Do you have board experience and are local in Oxford?  Oxford High School is looking for an enthusiastic, committed and knowledgeable person to take on the role of Chair of the Local School Governing Board (SGB) .  This role provides leadership to the School Governing Board and a stimulating, supportive and challenging foil to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team.  For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact governance@wes.gdst.net
Being a School Governing Board Chair at a Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) school is a rewarding experience providing an opportunity to be a part of the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools. Our Governors are an important feature of our success acting as a local level of Governance and being valued ambassadors for our School and GDST within the local community.
It is not only a great way of giving something back to your local community and school – it is also a perfect opportunity to develop your professional skills, increase your experience in strategic planning and monitoring, and expand your network.
The strength of our governing boards comes from the diversity of the Governors’ backgrounds and experiences. Applicants from numerous fields with a passion for girls’ education are warmly invited to apply. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
The School Governing Board (SGB)
The SGBs are a central part of the successes of our schools and provide ongoing support and inspiration to the Heads and their teams. SGBs ideally consist of around 7-10 Governors led by a Chair and include additional roles such as a Deputy Chair and a Safeguarding Governor. They meet once a term with the Head and other members of senior staff, while also attending School events during the year to fully involve themselves in the life of the School. SGBs are crucial in providing a local level of Governance that helps to ensure the Schools continue to progress in their local environments.
Key Functions
The expectations and parameters of our SGBs are set out in the SGB regulations, as established by the GDST Council. The below section highlights the key functions of our SGBs:
•        To consider and provide constructive feedback into the strategic development and performance of the school through the context of a local lens and overall GDST strategy;
•        To act as an Ambassador for the school, and for GDST, within the local community;
•        To support the Head and school Senior Leadership Team by acting as a critical friend, and by having an active interest and presence in the life of the school, including supporting events and fundraising initiatives.
The Role of the Chair
Being the Chair at a GDST school is a rewarding experience and is an integral part of ensuring a flourishing and collaborative relationship between the School and SGB. You will be able to build up relationships with the Head, School Leadership Team and Governors, as well as being part of the leading network of independent girls’ schools, and one of the country’s largest educational charities, shaping the future of girls’ education.
The Chair leads the SGB in providing constructive feedback to the Head and their team regarding the strategic development and performance of the School. You will also assist in ensuring the SGB is comprised of individuals who can contribute to the delivery of the key functions and the performance of the School. In order to continually enhance the functioning of the SGB, the Chair will oversee an annual review of the SGB with the support of Trust Office.
The Chair’s relationship with the Head is a key element of their role, as they act as a ‘critical friend’ providing an appropriate balance of challenge and support to the Head, including assisting with School initiatives such as fundraising events. The Chair, along with the SGB, act as ambassadors for the School and the SGB both at School events and in the wider local community.
One of our greatest strengths is our network of schools, that benefits all those involved. Our Chairs are encouraged to share best practice and discuss the challenges of their role. The Chairs are supported by the Trust Office who provide specialist advice, and offer educational updates facing the GDST and the wider pedagogical landscape.
About Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School is the only all through girls’ school based in Oxford with girls aged from 4 to 19.  It is about to celebrate its 150th year in 2026 of educating and inspiring young women to take on the world, boldly, fearlessly and with compassion.
About the GDST
The Girls’ Day School Trust is a family of independent schools across England and Wales. Our schools deliver innovative learning for girls aged three to eighteen. From nursery, primary and prep school, throughout secondary school and Sixth Form, they learn in an environment where every girl thrives.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including a full Disclosure and Barring Service check and online checks.
For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact governance@wes.gdst.net

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Reception and Administrative Assistant

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Required from: September 2024 

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time, 36 hours per week, term time including inset days plus 10 days

Salary: £26,443 FTE (£22,269.10 pro rata)

The role:

Oxford High School is looking for a School Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to work in our busy Senior School Office 

As a school receptionist you will work 5 days a week providing a customer-focussed and efficient reception service to telephone callers, and visitors to our school, including parents. You will also assist our pupils with enquiries and requests. 

You will also assist in providing a general administrative service to support the smooth running of the school.  This would include assisting with attendance related admin, assisting in the preparation of teaching resources, making phone calls to parents, taking messages to students and assisting with the organisation of pupil and attendance filing.

Key to the role will be excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, the ability to maintain a high level of efficiency, as well as warmth and empathy.  You will also need to be able to remain calm under pressure, with the ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines. Previous reception or school experience is preferred.

If you have the passion to work in a leading independent day school, we would love to hear from you. In return, we offer you a great community in which to work where ideas are welcomed. Oxford High School is Oxford’s oldest girls’ school and provides a vibrant, dynamic and creative environment for staff and pupils alike.

About Oxford High School:

Since its foundation over 140 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education.

Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network.

Benefits:

As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:

 

  • Competitive salaries and pay progression
  • Access to extensive professional development opportunities
  • Training grants for qualifications
  • Generous pension schemes
  • Free life assurance benefit
  • Free school lunches
  • A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
  • Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
  • A Cycle to Work scheme
  • Competitive terms and conditions of employment

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15th September 2024.

 Interviews will be held throughout the Summer.

 We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.  

An early application is therefore strongly advised.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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Caretaker

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Required: As soon as possible.

Contract term: Permanent.

Working time: Full time, all year round,  36 hour week, working 5 days out of the seven.  There will be a requirement to work early, late and weekend shifts. Hours vary due to lettings and events  Your primary shift will be Monday to Thursday evenings and a weekend day.

Please be aware that a degree of flexibility with your working arrangement is required to meet the needs of the busy school calendar. 

Competitive Salary plus benefits: £26,443 p/a

The role:

Oxford High School is seeking a Caretaker to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective site facilities service and a safe, pleasant environment for the organisations which hire our premises. You will be a key member of the premises team at our lively independent school working across three sites and reporting to the Premises Manager.

Your caretaking duties will include supporting the Premises Manager to ensure that all the school sites are maintained to an exceptional standard. This will include property maintenance, setting up events, ensuring a tidy appearance of the school and assisting in the day-to-day maintenance of the premises, furnishings and grounds.

The successful candidate will have a sound knowledge of security and emergency procedures, good maintenance skills and experience of providing routine preventative maintenance. You will have the ability to work effectively on your own initiative as well as in collaboration with other teams. Your excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to young people, parents, colleagues and external agencies will set you apart. 

About Oxford High School

Since its foundation over 140 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education. 

As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the GDST network.  

As part of the Girls’ day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:

  • Competitive salaries and pay progression
  • Access to extensive professional development opportunities
  • Training grants for qualifications
  • Generous pension schemes
  • Free life assurance benefit
  • Free school lunches
  • A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

For further details and to apply please click the apply button or email your CV and a covering letter to oxfvacancies@oxf.gdst.net

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15th September 2024.

Interviews will be held throughout the Summer.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.  An early application is therefore strongly advised.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.

Accounts Payable / Finance Assistant (AAT Study Support Available )

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Required from: ASAP

Contract term: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, all year round

Salary: £24,000-£27,000 pa depending on experience. AAT study support available 

Oxford High School are seeking a part qualified (e.g. AAT) finance professional for the role of Accounts Payable / Finance Assistant to provide accurate and effective financial support. This is a great opportunity to join a busy financial team, further expand your knowledge and expertise and be part of an exceptional school.

The Accounts Payable / Finance Assistant will report to the Finance Manager and assist with all aspects of school accounting, in particular purchase ledger functions, accruals and prepayments, expenses, credit card and trips administration. The post holder will also train staff in the use of the purchase order system, and liaise with parents, staff, and suppliers. 

The ability to manage and prioritise multiple workloads whilst maintaining positive working relationships is key to this role. Equally important is your previous experience in a finance department, with the ability to evidence an accountancy background, including purchase ledger, and ideally journals, accruals and prepayments and the production of monthly management reports. An understanding of accounting software (PS Financials /SAGE Software or equivalent) will round off your profile.

Please note previous experience in a school environment is not essential. 

About Oxford High School:

 Since its foundation almost 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education.

 Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work: our girls are highly motivated and ambitious, supportive yet self-aware. From our youngest Reception pupils through to our longest-serving members of staff, there is a real sense of pride at being part of the Oxford High School community.

 As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives, and via the GDST network.

 Benefits:

 As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:

  • Competitive salaries and pay progression
  • Access to extensive professional development opportunities
  • AAT study support (available for the right candidate) 
  • Generous pension schemes
  • Free life assurance benefit
  • Free school lunches
  • A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
  • Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
  • A Cycle to Work scheme
  • Competitive terms and conditions of employment

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 15th September 2024.

Interviews will be held throughout the Summer.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.  An early application is therefore strongly advised.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

 We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.

APPLY

Considering OHS?

Please review the key admission dates and deadlines, to ensure you don’t miss out on applying for a place. If you have further questions, contact our friendly Admissions team who are happy to help.

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