At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and managing calls.
- Company: Join Bexleyheath Academy, a vibrant non-selective school in Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, well-being cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for customer service and some office experience preferred.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role starting September 2025; apply by 27 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 29000 £ per year.
Salary: NJC 6 £28,929 (actual), where appropriate £24,465 (pro rata salary) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37.5, 38 weeks
Contract: Full Time, permanent
Be the welcoming face of our school – we’re hiring a receptionist! We’re looking for a friendly and organised receptionist to join our team at Bexleyheath Academy.
You’re someone who’ll be able to:
- Warmly welcome visitors, parents and carers with professionalism
- Manage incoming calls, directing enquiries to the appropriate staff and signing in visitors
- Schedule appointments, handle deliveries, and share important information accurately and efficiently
- Data input - keeping internal systems up to date and accurate
You’re someone who has:
- Enthusiasm for working in a customer-facing role
- Experience of working in an office environment (school environment would be advantageous)
- Strong organisation skills
About Bexleyheath Academy: Bexleyheath Academy is proud to be a non-selective school in the grammar heartland of Kent. Bexleyheath Academy is quickly approaching capacity with students; in order to accommodate the demands of the local community and grow our skilled staff, we must expand.
Who is Lift Schools? We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
The role is due to commence September 2025. This is a full time, permanent position. Closing date: 27 June 2025.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Receptionist employer: Westerings
Contact Detail:
Westerings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Bexleyheath Academy's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to providing excellent education will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing your enthusiasm for being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by role-playing common scenarios you might encounter as a receptionist. This could include handling difficult calls or welcoming visitors, which will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff at Bexleyheath Academy or similar schools. They can provide insights into the school culture and expectations, giving you an edge in understanding what they value in a receptionist.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during your interview that reflect your interest in the role and the school. Inquiring about training opportunities or how the receptionist contributes to the school's mission can show your proactive attitude.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer-facing roles and office environments. Emphasise any skills that align with the responsibilities of a receptionist, such as organisation and communication.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the school environment. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to warmly welcome visitors and manage enquiries effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as data input accuracy, appointment scheduling, and handling deliveries. Use examples from past experiences to illustrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a receptionist role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerings
✨Show Your Warmth
As a receptionist, your role is to be the welcoming face of the school. Practice a friendly greeting and maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. This will demonstrate your ability to create a warm environment for visitors and staff alike.
✨Highlight Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills in detail. Share examples of how you've managed appointments, handled deliveries, or kept systems up to date in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the position effectively.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Experience
Since this role is customer-facing, be ready to talk about your experience in similar environments. Discuss specific situations where you successfully resolved issues or provided excellent service, as this will highlight your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Research Bexleyheath Academy
Familiarise yourself with Bexleyheath Academy's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to education and community will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.