At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and managing communications.
- Company: Thames Park Secondary School, a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a two-week October half term, pension scheme, and access to an on-site gym.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and support from experienced staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths & English (4-9) and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20975 - 22451 £ per year.
Job Ref No. ECC0-263S.
Position Type: Administration.
Pay Range: Band A Point 1-6 (£20,975.39 – £22,450.61 r.p.a.)
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026.
Contract Type: Part‑time.
Contract Term: Temporary.
Application Close: 10/07/2026 Midday.
Interview Date: W/C 13th July 2026.
Hours: 37 hours per week. Monday‑Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. 30‑minute unpaid break for lunch. 38 weeks of the year – term‑time plus INSET days.
Role Overview
Thames Park Secondary School seeks a friendly, organised and dedicated Administrative Assistant / Receptionist to be the first point of contact for visitors, parents and staff. As a valued member of our administrative team, you will play a key role in ensuring smooth school operations while providing excellent customer service.
Responsibilities
- Welcoming visitors and handling telephone enquiries
- Managing school communications with parents
- Assisting with clerical tasks such as sorting mail and distributing letters
- Using the school management information systems (Bromcom) for administrative support
- Communicating with parents using current systems
- Providing general clerical support as required
Qualifications & Skills
- Passionate, motivated and excellent communication skills
- Ability to multitask, stay calm under pressure and remain positive
- GCSE Maths & English – 4‑9 or equivalent and strong IT skills
- Excellent written skills with ability to multitask
Benefits
- Two‑week October half term
- National Conditions of Service
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme and on‑site Gym
- Support from highly experienced SLT members, the wider trust network and collaboration with two other secondary schools
- Wider support network for all staff including managing workloads and work‑life balance
- Career progression throughout the Trust, with the ability to progress in other schools
- Recognition of continuous service
- Excellent CPD opportunities through the school and the trust
- Excellent behaviour management policy to support all staff
Equality & Safeguarding
Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer. As a Trust, we recognise the value of and seek to achieve a diverse workforce; we welcome applications from all backgrounds. This appointment will be subject to pre‑employment checks including an enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances. All applications must be made on our formal application form; CVs will not be accepted.
Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist in Grays employer: Essex
Thames Park Secondary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment in education. With access to excellent professional development opportunities, a strong focus on work-life balance, and the benefits of being part of a wider trust network, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The school's commitment to equality and safeguarding ensures a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all staff and students alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist in Grays
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Essex and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Essex and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Essex.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Essex and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Essex.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Essex will surely appreciate.
