Receptionist

We are looking for a professional, friendly, and efficient afternoon receptionist to join our Administration Team. Acting as a school Ambassador in this outward‑facing role, we are seeking an individual with first‑class communication skills and the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for parents, staff and students. Bedales School is a unique educational establishment set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both staff and students expect the best kind of relationships – cooperative, authentic and trustful.

Duties:

• Act as the first point of contact for the school with visitors, students and staff.
• Sort and distribute internal and external post for staff and students, and organise outgoing post.
• Undertake and complete general administration tasks while working on reception.

Administration tasks vary between Term Time and Non‑Term Time periods. This post is a regulated activity.

Hours of Work:

• Term Time: 25 hours each week, Monday to Friday from 13:15 pm to 18:15 pm. Additionally, cover 11 Saturdays during Term Time from 08:00 am to 13:15 pm.
• Non‑Term Time: Work 75 hours over the academic year on dates during school holiday closures as notified to you by your line manager.

Salary: £13,930 annual starting salary based on the above hours and weeks of work (inclusive of holiday pay), pro‑rata of the full‑time equivalent salary of £25,087 per annum.

Benefits:

• APTIS pension
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Personal Accident Cover
• Free on‑site parking
• Fee remission for eligible staff
• On‑site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool

Pre‑Appointment Checks: All candidates will undergo a safeguarding suitability interview, an Enhanced DBS and barred list check and will be asked to provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK at the shortlist stage. Candidates will also be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks and Prohibition from Management Checks.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection.
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where children and adults feel secure, can talk, and believe they are being listened to.
• Playing a key role in prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm.
• When concerned about a pupil’s welfare, acting in the best interests of the pupil.

All staff have a key role in identifying concerns early and providing help for children, and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) to assess suitability to work with children.

How to Apply: If you are interested in this post, please complete the fully detailed application form on the Bedales Schools recruitment portal. CVs will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Further details can be found on the Bedales School recruitment portal. All enquiries relating to the recruitment process should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk.

Closing date: 09:00 am on Monday 9 February 2026.

Application reviews: (via Teams) on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Interview date: Wednesday 11 February 2026. Early application is advised as Bedales reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.