At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and supporting our team.
- Company: Join a caring and passionate team at York High School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with great colleagues and staff benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to visit the school before applying.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child-centred environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in reception or admin roles and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
York High School is seeking to recruit a Receptionist to join our busy but very friendly team. You will be one of the first people that visitors to our school come into contact with, therefore we are looking for someone who is friendly and welcoming, whilst being professional at all times.
You will be able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including staff, students, parents/carers and visitors. You will have experience of working in a reception or administrative role and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Although experience of working in a school is desirable, what is more important is your genuine passion for working in a child‑centred environment, ensuring students' needs are always put first.
Responsibilities- Provide a friendly and welcoming first point of contact for visitors.
- Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/carers and external stakeholders.
- Handle reception and administrative duties independently and as part of a receptionist team.
- Support the overall efficiency and smooth operation of the school classroom and office environment.
- Experience in a reception or administrative role.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Genuine passion for working in a child‑centred environment.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
In return, we can offer a supportive working environment, with colleagues who care deeply, are experts in their fields and who are passionate about what they do. We also offer a range of staff benefits.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful applicant to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.
Applications: An application form, job description and person specification are available on the Trust Website. Please email applications to recruitment@elt.org.uk marked for the attention of Mr Gavin Kumar, Principal. Closing date: midnight on Thursday 25 June 2026. Interview date: week commencing 29 June 2026.
Receptionist employer: City of York Council
York High School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where staff are passionate about education and the welfare of students. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to child-centred values, employees can thrive in a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises effective communication and teamwork. The school also provides a range of benefits, ensuring that all staff feel valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at City of York Council. 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 City of York Council 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
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 City of York Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at City of York Council 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 City of York Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨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.
