School support staff roles - which of these two jobs might lead to more career progression

[Question17]

Exams Officer or PA to Headteacher

I have interviews for both roles and have been thinking about the pros and cons of both. I have been an Exams Officer before but haven’t done the PA to HT job - though I have general school admin experience.

In terms of future proofing - re salary for example or the possibility to develop my skills - I am leaning towards the PA role but was wondering what people thought.

(Of course I might not be offered either role so currently it’s hypothetical).

I've worked in several schools.

I wouldn't touch exams officer with a barge pole, it's hugely pressurised and a tiny mistake can have far reaching consequences. Also you're very much on your own.

HT PA carries a lot of status in a secondary school and you're seen as the person who is really running the school. It very much depends on the HT. Some are remarkably insecure and needy and use you as an emotional prop, others exploit you with getting you to do personal errands and expecting you to be available at all hours. However with a good HT it's very rewarding and you're at the heart of school life, with opportunities for great relationships with staff pupils and parents. A good HT will take your personal development seriously and adapt work to your strengths. It's also rewarding to be used as a sounding board and feel that your views matter.

You'll definitely get the exams officer role, it's practically impossible to recruit for, but as PP I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. The most stressful job in school and woefully underpaid for the responsibility.

PA will be the more interesting job, but it will depend on the staff structure, size of school and job description if there's opportunity for progression. Some HT PAs are "just" PAs others practically run the school.

I'd think PA is more transferable outside of education if you want to move to a different environment.

Thank you - I agree with all of you - I have done the Exams Officer role and it is scary and lonely but also weirdly addictive. However I agree that the PA role would be better in lots of ways - but that it does depend on what the school and head are like so I will try and get as much info as I can during the interview.

There is a good aspect to the EO role being so isolated though - you can be quite independent and just get on with your work. But yes it is very stressful.