Quiet Leadership: The Changing Role of the Headteacher’s PA

Milli Cowling talks about the shift from diary management and meetings to influence and impact, and the quiet leadership behind the role – from protecting leaders’ time and capacity to spotting patterns, solving problems and helping shape school culture. 

In conversation with host Liz Worthen, Milli talks us through:

• A day in the life of a headteacher’s PA
• How and why the role has changed so much
• What gets missed or misunderstood
• Essential skills: trust, communication, balance, adaptability and emotional intelligence
• Why the PA’s partnership with the headteacher is so key
• How PAs and executive assistants (EAs) can develop in their role. Be curious and ask!

“Contribution isn’t measured by visibility. It’s measured by impact.” 

“The role has evolved much faster than the language around it.”

Milli Cowling is an experienced headteacher's personal assistant as well as a certified coach. At Woodbridge Park Education Service, a multi-site and multi-age alternative provision, she works closely with the senior leadership team to provide strategic and organisational support that helps create a positive, high‑performing environment for staff and pupils.

Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities.

Links and resources

• Sign up for the Creating Value in Schools newsletter for insights, tips and resources: http://eepurl.com/i2429o
• Milli’s reading recommendation: The Founder & The Force Multiplier, by Adam Hergenrother with Hallie Warner. Find details at https://founderandforcemultiplier.com/books-for-executive-assistants-chiefs-of-staff-and-force-multipliers/
• Find more recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools
• Milli’s Schools Week article: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/the-role-of-a-heads-pa-has-changed-why-hasnt-our-language/

Chapters

00:00 Meet the Head’s PA

01:12 A Day in the Life

04:56 How the Role Evolved

08:11 Why PAs Get Misunderstood

10:51 Core Skills and Quiet Leadership

14:10 Working With Different Heads

15:43 Isolation and Support Networks

16:59 Professional Development Pathways

20:41 Defining Impact and Value

22:56 Learning and Recommendations

24:07 Final Advice and Wrap Up

#PersonalAssistant #ExecutiveAssistant #Headteacher