At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our academy, managing reception and providing essential admin support.
- Company: Join Harris Girls' Academy East Dulwich, a supportive environment focused on student and staff success.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, competitive rewards, and a range of perks including a Wellbeing Cash Plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent, Microsoft Office skills, and previous admin or customer service experience required.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Us
Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane is an Outstanding primary academy and we have high expectations and aspirations for your children. All our staff aim to give every child an exceptional education providing support, care, enrichment and challenge as they come through our doors. We give them opportunities to enjoy their learning and prepare them for future academic success as well as happy lives. We have a unique creative curriculum, a clear vision, high expectations, strong moral values and a love of learning. Our academy is a multi-cultural, multi-faith family where children learn together. They respect and value each other.
We believe all children are special and we \”dig for gold\” in every child. This means encouraging children to do their very best, not settling for second-best.
The Academy is located in the heart of Tottenham and we are very proud of all of our children and staff. Everyone works hard and behaves well to achieve \”exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can think or imagine!\’
Summary
Looking to take your first step in education? We are looking for a dedicated and detail-orientated individual to join Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane as Receptionist and Administrative Assistant on a fixed-term contract to April 2027. Working under the instruction and guidance of senior staff to provide general administrative and financial support to the school, you will either have experience in an administrative role or looking to take your first step in an administrative support role within an educational environment.
The actual salary for this role will be £29,176.36 – £29,592.65 (42 weeks per year, 40 hours per week).
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your responsibilities will include:
- Representing the Academy in a professional and welcoming manner to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers
- Undertaking reception duties, answering general telephone and face to face enquiries and signing in visitors
- Responding to queries from parents/carers and the general public with exemplary professionalism
- Ensuring the overall appearance of the reception area is tidy, professional and presentable at all times
- General administrative duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, collation and distribution of post
- Contributing to the maintenance of information databases and filing systems
- Contacting parents and pupils where necessary
- Coordinating the academy admissions procedures and protocols
- Managing wrap around invoices
- Coordinating school photos for students, data files and booking necessary rooms and stationery
- Managing procurement and inventory tracking for milk and vegetable supplies
- Managing weekly orders for wrap around food
- Managing invoices and purchase orders in line with academy needs and expectations
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- NVQ2 or equivalent qualification or experience in relevant discipline
- Good numeracy/literacy skills
- Minimum of two years\’ school office experience
- Experience of general clerical/administrative/financial work
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures for young people
- Experience of Reception duties including dealing with visitors to the Academy
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.
Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant employer: HARRIS FEDERATION
Contact Detail:
HARRIS FEDERATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Harris Girls' Academy: character, courage, and conscience. Demonstrating an understanding of these values during your interactions can show that you align with the academy's ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by role-playing common scenarios you might encounter as a receptionist. This will help you remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging callers or visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the safeguarding procedures relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about these processes will not only prepare you for the job but also demonstrate your commitment to student welfare during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members at Harris Girls' Academy if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable in tailoring your approach during the recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Receptionist and Administrative Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in administrative roles or customer service. Use bullet points for clarity and include specific examples of your achievements that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the academy. Mention your understanding of their core values and how you embody them. Be sure to address how your previous experiences make you a suitable candidate for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role you are applying for.
How to prepare for a job interview at HARRIS FEDERATION
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences and how you handled challenging situations with professionalism and calmness.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
Highlight your organisational and time management skills during the interview. You might be asked about how you prioritise tasks or manage multiple responsibilities, so have examples ready that showcase your ability to keep things running smoothly.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Safeguarding Procedures
Understanding safeguarding procedures is crucial in this role. Research the basics of safeguarding in educational settings and be ready to discuss how you would ensure the safety and well-being of students and visitors.
✨Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Anticipate questions related to your experience with Microsoft Office, handling queries from parents, and managing first aid situations. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.