The PA Principles: How a PA Can Make Everything and Everyone Work Better by Jo Deane and Kimberley Evans is a practical guide to the role of personal assistants (PAs) in school leadership. It is written for PAs and the school leaders they work with, with strategies for bringing organisation and balance to a busy role.
It mixes humour, real-world examples and professional advice, and suits anyone who wants to understand or improve at the PA role.
Key Strengths of the Book:
1. Comprehensive and Practical
The authors provide a wealth of practical tools, tips, and techniques to support PAs in their day-to-day responsibilities. From effective diary management to navigating complex school events, the guidance is detailed and actionable, making it suitable for both new and experienced PAs.
2. The Five PA Principles
At the heart of the book are five core principles designed to empower PAs to streamline their work and maximise their effectiveness. These principles are explained with clarity and provide a strong framework for managing responsibilities, building relationships, and enhancing collaboration within a school setting.
3. Celebration of the Role
Jo and Kimberley highlight the contribution PAs make to the success of schools. Through relatable anecdotes and a conversational tone, they shine a light on the unseen, critical work PAs do to ensure smooth operations and effective leadership support.
4. Emphasis on Wellbeing
A standout feature of the book is its focus on wellbeing—not only for the Headteacher but also for the PA. The authors remind readers of the importance of maintaining balance, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care, which is essential for managing the demands of this pivotal role.
5. Relatable and Inspiring
The inclusion of real-life scenarios and humorous reflections ensures the book is not only informative but also engaging and relatable. Readers will find practical advice interwoven with encouragement and inspiration to take pride in their role and make it their own.
Why This Book is Useful:
The book breaks the many responsibilities of a school PA down into manageable steps. It is a guide for PAs and also a way for school leaders to understand and support the position better, with an emphasis on collaboration, leadership and communication.
Jo Deane and Kimberley Evans also highlight the importance of kindness, positivity, and maintaining a strong organisational culture, ensuring that PAs leave a lasting impact on their schools. Whether dealing with last-minute changes, organising major events, or supporting leadership wellbeing, the book provides the tools and mindset to succeed.
Final Thoughts:
Through its core principles, the book shows how a PA can bring calm to chaos and support leadership with integrity. Whether you're an experienced PA, new to the role, or a school leader looking to enhance organisational effectiveness, this book is worth reading.
About the book
- Authors: Jo Deane and Kimberley Evans.
- Full title: The PA Principles: How a PA Can Make Everything and Everyone Work Better.
Source: the details held in this record; no publisher page could be found or fetched to confirm publisher, date or ISBN, checked 13 October 2026.