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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and supporting staff and students.
- Company: Join a supportive secondary school focused on individual student growth and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free gym membership, and access to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or admin experience, strong communication, and organisational skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on staff well-being and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 14442 - 14673 £ per year.
Job Details
Job Reference: ECC5424-322S
Position Type: Administration
Pay Range: LG Scale 4 Points 7-8
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week (over 3 days).
Working Pattern: Week 1 – Monday 08:00-16:30; Tuesday 08:00-16:00; Wednesday 08:00-16:15.
Week 2 – Wednesday 08:00-16:15; Thursday 08:00-16:00; Friday 08:00-15:00.
Term time plus 2 weeks during school holidays.
Actual Annual Salary: £14,442 – £14,673
Start Date: ASAP
Application Close: 07/11/2025 Midday
About the Role
We are seeking a friendly, highly organized, and professional individual to join our office team as a School Receptionist. This is a vital role, acting as the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and students, and providing essential administrative support to the school.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for visitors, staff, and students.
- Ensure compliance with school security and safeguarding arrangements.
- Answer incoming phone calls and handle enquiries.
- Manage the school\’s inbox, respond to emails, and distribute as appropriate.
- Communicate with staff and parents via School Comms & SIMs database.
- Manage deliveries and incoming/outgoing post.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in a reception or administrative role, ideally within a school environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of people.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- A calm, approachable, and professional demeanor.
This is a job share position, with alternate week working days: Monday – Wednesday and Wednesday – Friday.
Information about the School
The Deanes is a small secondary school where each and every one of our students can feel happy, respected and known as an individual within our safe and accepting community. We aim to create a positive and respectful environment for all members of The Deanes, with consistently high expectations and standards. Our curriculum caters for individual strengths and needs, enabling every student to make outstanding progress and provide them with extensive opportunities for personal development.
The well-being of our staff is a high priority. All staff at The Deanes have access to high quality training to further develop their teaching practice. Staff can take advantage of free gym membership and we are fortunate to have an onsite children’s nursery which may be able to accommodate your childcare needs.
In September 2021 the school joined the South East Essex Academy Trust, which comprises 8 local primary and secondary schools, who form a collaborative multi academy trust.
The Deanes is well situated in South East Essex, with good links to public transport. We are situated within ten minutes of Benfleet and Rayleigh Rail Stations, where a 45 minute train journey will take you into London. There is also ample car parking onsite.
The Deanes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its entire staff to share this commitment. All postholders working in our schools will be considered to work in Regulated Activity and will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance all shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches that may include social media. For further information please contact HR@seeat.org.
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.
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Receptionist employer: Essex
Contact Detail:
Essex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The Deanes and its values. When you walk in for your interview, you’ll want to show that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play with a friend or family member to nail down how you’d handle different scenarios, from answering calls to greeting visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks in previous roles. Whether it’s juggling emails or handling deliveries, demonstrate that you can keep everything running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your unique experiences make you a great fit.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Refer to the job description and match your background with what we’re looking for in a School Receptionist.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a School Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing communications and ensuring security. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As the first point of contact, your interpersonal skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups in previous roles. Think about times when you handled difficult situations calmly and professionally, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Get Organised
Being organised is key for a receptionist. Bring a notepad to jot down important points during the interview and prepare questions to ask at the end. This shows that you're proactive and serious about the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to clarify any doubts you might have.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member to practice your responses. Focus on articulating your experience in administrative roles and your proficiency with software like Microsoft Office. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.
