At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily attendance and provide essential admin support in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join a supportive school team dedicated to student welfare and staff well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a positive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on staff well-being.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of the school and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29436 - 29856 £ per year.
35 hours per week, term time only (possibility of plus 10 days). Working hours Monday to Friday on a rota between 7:45am and 5:00pm to suit operational needs. This role may also cover both Longbridge Road and Sandringham Road campuses.
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only.
Salary Scale: Scale 3 (Pt 5-6). £29,436-£29,856 full time. Prorated salary for 35 hours per week is approximately £23,920‑£24,261, dependent on experience, weeks per year and continuous service. Start Date: September 2026.
We are looking for a friendly, flexible and enthusiastic Receptionist/Admin Assistant to undertake daily attendance monitoring and general administrative duties at our Longbridge and Sandringham campuses. The school offices are the first point of contact for visitors, parents and carers, and this integral role is essential to smooth operation. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, a keen eye for detail and a willingness to provide outstanding service.
Responsibilities:
- Daily attendance monitoring.
- General administrative duties.
- Monitor the medical room and undertake some first aid duties (first aid qualification desirable or willingness to undertake training).
- Offer ICT support and use specialist school software (specific training will be provided).
Essential skills and experience:
- Excellent communication skills and a positive can-do approach.
- Confidence in providing a professional, welcoming, efficient service.
- Ability to work flexibly under pressure.
- Use of initiative and prioritisation of workload.
- Strong administration skills and willingness to learn.
- Experience with ICT essential; specific training provided.
- Experience working with young people is advantageous.
- First aid qualification desirable; willingness to undertake training.
Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 07:45 and 17:00. Shifts may be 07:45‑15:45 or 09:00‑17:00 to suit operational needs.
Benefits:
- Supportive and encouraging staff team.
- Access to a wide range of CPD opportunities.
- Positive ethos with behaviour reinforced by senior leadership.
- Focus on staff well-being and workload management.
Equal Opportunities: Barking Abbey celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and are an Equal Opportunities Employer. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to a comprehensive screening process, including disclosure checks. Online searches will be conducted for shortlisted and successful candidates as part of due diligence.
Location: The school is less than 10 minutes walk from Upney tube and 15 minutes from Barking mainline station.
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant employer: Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College
Barking Abbey School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and encouraging work environment where staff well-being is prioritised. With access to a wide range of continuous professional development opportunities and a positive ethos reinforced by senior leadership, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located conveniently near Upney tube and Barking mainline station, this role as a Receptionist/Admin Assistant provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the school community while enjoying a flexible term-time schedule.
Contact Details:
Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barking Abbey School, A Specialist Sports and Humanities College
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
