Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our academy, supporting students and staff with front desk services.
- Company: Join Ark Charter Academy, a vibrant school dedicated to inspiring students in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, gym discounts, relocation costs, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a dynamic and inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in customer service or school environments are preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time and opportunities for professional growth await you!
The predicted salary is between 24790 - 27711 £ per year.
About The Role
Ark Charter Academy
Receptionist
Location: Southsea, Portsmouth
Salary: Band 5 (£24,790 – £27,711) Pro Rata (£22,781.58 – £25,465.92)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Term Time Only + 1
Start date: 1st September 2025
Interview date: As soon as suitable candidates apply
Are you an organised, approachable, and confident with strong communication skills? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment? We are looking for a friendly and professional Receptionist to be the first point of contact at our vibrant Academy.
About the role:
As the Academy Receptionist, you will be the welcoming face of the school – supporting students, staff, families, and visitors each day. You will provide high-quality front desk services and deliver a range of key administrative tasks, helping to keep our busy office running smoothly.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play an integral part in the daily life of the academy while ensuring a warm and professional experience for all who engage with us.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Organised and efficient, with strong attention to detail.
- Experience in a school, reception, or customer service environment is desirable.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and general IT systems.
- Calm and professional under pressure.
- Committed to safeguarding, student welfare, and inclusive practices.
- Flexible and proactive with a team-first attitude.
Benefits
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing)
- A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning
- Development opportunities for future leaders
- Generous pension scheme.
- Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role)
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
- Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark atarkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.
About Us
Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning.
We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game-changers of the future.To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us.
Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.
Visit charteracademy.org.uk/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.
Diversity and inclusion:
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on thislink.
Safeguarding statement:
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click thislink.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Receptionist employer: Ark Schools
Contact Detail:
Ark Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ark Charter Academy's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to student welfare and inclusive practices will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed multiple tasks or resolved conflicts, as these will be key in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, especially Word and Excel, as proficiency in these tools is essential for the role. Consider doing a quick online course or tutorial to refresh your knowledge and show your commitment to being tech-savvy.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills by engaging in mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on being approachable and confident, as these traits are crucial for a receptionist who will be the first point of contact for students and visitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in reception, customer service, or administrative roles. Emphasise your organisational skills and any experience working in a school environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and explains why you are a good fit for the role. Mention your ability to work under pressure and your commitment to student welfare and inclusive practices.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, specifically mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office and any other IT systems. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to enhance your candidacy.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express your passion for working in an educational environment and your desire to contribute positively to the academy's community. This can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
As a Receptionist, being organised is key. Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or prioritised effectively in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced environment at the academy.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication
Since you'll be the first point of contact, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice clear and confident responses to common interview questions, and consider how you would handle various visitor scenarios.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in a school, reception, or customer service setting, make sure to discuss it. Share specific instances where you provided excellent service or resolved issues, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The academy values a team-first attitude. Be ready to talk about times when you've worked collaboratively with others and how you adapt to changing situations, which is essential in a school environment.
