Receptionist & Administrative Officer

Are you an organised and professional administrator who enjoys working with people and making a positive difference every day?

Hamilton School is seeking a Receptionist & Administration Officer to provide efficient, effective and confidential reception and administrative support. This is a varied role at the centre of school life, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of front-of-house and administrative services that support pupils, staff, parents, carers and visitors. [

As the first point of contact for many stakeholders, you will help create a welcoming, safe and well‑organised environment while supporting key school functions including admissions, attendance, welfare, communications and educational visits. Your work will contribute directly to the effective operation of the school and support positive outcomes for students.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high-quality reception and administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of school services and support teaching and learning activities across the school.
• Act as a professional first point of contact for pupils, parents, carers, staff, visitors and external agencies, ensuring enquiries are managed promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain accurate pupil records, information systems and administrative processes to support school operations, reporting requirements and statutory compliance.
• Support safeguarding, student welfare, attendance, first aid and health‑related processes, helping to maintain a safe environment for students and visitors.
• Coordinate and support admissions, educational visits, school events, communications and wider operational activities.
• Ensure confidentiality, safeguarding, health and safety, equality and data protection requirements are consistently maintained.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications and administrative systems.
• Experience of using a school Management Information System (MIS) or similar would be advantageous.
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and build positive professional relationships.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and maintain accuracy in a busy environment.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Able to work collaboratively, use initiative and adapt to changing priorities.
• Committed to safeguarding, promoting the welfare of children and supporting a safe learning environment.

Hamilton School

Hamilton School in Reading is a place of opportunity, belonging and growth for young people aged 11-16. As a special school within Maiden Erlegh Trust, it provides a highly supportive environment for students who benefit from smaller classes, strong relationships and personalised approaches that help them learn, develop confidence and succeed in life.

Every day at Hamilton is different. Staff work closely as a team to spark curiosity, celebrate progress and help students build the skills they need for the future. The school moved into its purpose‑built home on Bulmershe Road in 2022, a modern and welcoming space designed around the needs of its learners.

Hamilton supports students with social, emotional and mental health needs and is recognised for its expertise, teamwork and impact, including a Pride of Reading Award nomination from parents.

The Hamilton team is united by commitment and compassion, and colleagues describe the staff team as exceptional in how they support one another and their students. As part of the Trust’s Special and Alternative Provision Hub, colleagues connect across schools to share practice, develop professionally and access strong wellbeing support.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high‑quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high‑quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

• Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
• ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
• Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
• Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
• Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
• Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes
• Mental Health First Aid Support
• Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
• Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.