Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional admin support and customer service in a busy college environment.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a supportive and inclusive educational community.
- Benefits: Wellbeing perks, modern facilities, and access to private healthcare.
- Other info: Join us for a rewarding career with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Organised, flexible, with strong communication and IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 26657 - 27826 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college located within Oaklands School. In September 2025 we are relocating to two new sites in Sunbury-on-Thames (Surrey) and Hounslow. The college provides further educational opportunities to students aged 19-25 with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have other needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autism. We run three Pathways: Vocational, Life and Living and Engagement for Life.
We are looking to appoint a Receptionist to support the provision of a professional admin service delivered to a high quality standard with exceptional customer service skills. You will need to be highly organised, flexible, able to prioritise multiple tasks in a demanding environment, have excellent communication and IT skills along with a meticulous attention to detail. The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a busy reception/office environment, ideally in a similar environment.
Qualifications and skills- Highly organised and flexible with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a demanding environment
- Excellent communication and IT skills
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Experience of working in a busy reception/office environment, ideally in a similar setting
- A supportive, inclusive college community
- A comprehensive induction and CPD programme
- Access to the NEST Pension Scheme
- Modern, well-resourced facilities
- A range of wellbeing and staff benefits, including:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free 24/7 access to private doctors and nurses (online)
- Daily staff breakfasts with fruit, cereal, and toast
- Eligibility for Blue Light Card
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free eye tests for eligible staff
- Employee referral reward
Visits to the college are welcomed. Please contact a member of the HR team for an appointment on 02039629009. Details of this post are available on the College Website at https://greatoakscollege.com. To apply, please complete and email the application form to hr@greatoakscollege.com. Please ensure that you explain clearly in your application how you meet the person specifications.
Great Oaks College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and anyone applying to work at the College is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with adult barring and references being received. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of a twenty-six working week probation period.
Key dates- Closing Date: Thursday, 17 July at 9am
- Interview Date: Monday, 21 July 2025 (time TBA)
- Start Date: September 2025 (depending on the onboarding checks)
- Contract Type: Fixed term until July 2026, Term Time only (39 weeks)
- Pay Scale: Great Oaks Inner Scale 4 point 7-10 (Full-time pay between £30,987 to £32,346)
- Actual Salary pro rata: £26,657 to £27,826 per annum
- Hours of work: 8:00 – 16:00 (Monday to Friday)
Receptionist employer: Greatoakscollege
Contact Detail:
Greatoakscollege Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Great Oaks College. Familiarise yourself with their values and the specific needs of the students. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common receptionist scenarios and how you'd handle them. Whether it's dealing with a busy phone line or managing multiple visitors, having a few examples ready will boost your confidence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your organisational and communication skills. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've successfully managed tasks in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what Great Oaks College is looking for in a Receptionist and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Off Your Skills: When filling out the application form, don’t hold back! Highlight your excellent communication and IT skills, as well as your experience in busy reception or office environments. We want to see how you can bring your unique talents to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, attention to detail is key, so double-check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website as instructed. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your application properly. Plus, it shows you’re following directions, which is super important for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greatoakscollege
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Great Oaks College. Understand their mission, values, and the specific needs of the students they support. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Receptionist, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or handled a busy reception area. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Exceptional Communication
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you effectively communicated with colleagues or clients, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the college's culture, the team you'll be working with, or the specific challenges faced by the students. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you valuable insights into whether it's the right fit for you.