At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing enquiries and supporting daily operations.
- Company: Join a vibrant independent school in the heart of London with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free lunches, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with great career growth potential in a nurturing school setting.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students and families in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in reception or admin roles, excellent communication skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
About the School - Charterhouse Square
Charterhouse Square is a non-selective, co-educational independent school based in the City of London for students aged 3-11 years. The school has excellent transport links, with the Elizabeth line, Farringdon mainline and Barbican tube all within a 5-minute walk. With a friendly and unpretentious approach, Charterhouse Square School offers education from Nursery and Early Years through to Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
At Charterhouse Square School we believe a happy and stimulating learning environment is fundamental to academic success. Students achieve exceptional academic results at 11+ from a broad and balanced curriculum, with a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy but with ample time also dedicated to physical education and the arts.
About the role
As a Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff and visitors, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the school. You will provide a professional and welcoming front-of-house service, manage telephone and email enquiries, support visitor safeguarding procedures, and assist with a range of administrative tasks. You will also help monitor attendance, maintain records, support first aid and emergency procedures when required, and work closely with colleagues to create a safe, organised and positive environment for the whole school community.
This is a full-time, permanent position starting September 2026. Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (term-time) and 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (during school holidays).
Who we are looking for
You are a friendly, organised and professional individual with excellent communication and customer service skills. You have experience in a receptionist or administrative support role and are comfortable handling telephone calls, emails, visitor enquiries and a variety of administrative tasks. You are highly organised, able to multitask effectively, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential, while experience using iSAMS or working within an independent school environment would be advantageous. Most importantly, you are approachable, proactive, able to work both independently and as part of a team, and committed to providing a positive experience for everyone who visits or contacts the school.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in our pension scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- 25 days annual leave
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application by: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 9th August 2026.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Receptionist employer: Cognita
Charterhouse Square School, part of the Cognita family, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the heart of London, the school offers competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities, all while fostering a friendly environment where staff can thrive. As a Receptionist, you will play a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and families, making this position both meaningful and rewarding.
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 Cognita. 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 Cognita 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 Cognita:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Cognita 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 Cognita!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita
✨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.
