At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing front-desk operations and supporting events.
- Company: Join Hewett Academy, a vibrant secondary school with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health plans, and discounts on shopping and fitness.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities within a thriving network of schools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude are essential; experience in admin is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 12894 - 13096 £ per year.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £12,894 to £13,096 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£24,796 - £25,185 full time/full year equivalent)
Part Time: 22 hours per week over 3 days including Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: November 2026
This role will be based at Hewett Academy, Cecil Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2PL.
Hewett Academy is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised and reliable Receptionist with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support front-desk operations. The successful candidate will provide a professional and welcoming service to all pupils, parents, visitors and staff, as well as undertake basic administration duties to a high standard.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To undertake switchboard, receptionist and messenger duties within the school, in conjunction with other clerical staff.
- To receive and reply promptly to any telephone and other messages, dealing as appropriate with routine enquiries.
- To ensure that visitors and callers to the school are courteously and correctly received and hospitality provided as required.
- To undertake administration duties as directed by the line manager.
- To support academy events as required.
About You:
- The successful candidate will have strong communication and problem-solving skills, attention to details, and a friendly attitude.
- You will also be able to work on your own initiative as well as the wider admin team.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English.
- Experience in general clerical or administrative work.
- Full competence in using ICT.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders, working well with children and adults.
- Calm and courteous approach.
- Good communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Experience of working in a busy reception.
- Basic knowledge of first aid.
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme.
About Us
The Hewett Academy in Norwich is a vibrant, ambitious secondary school rated Good by Ofsted, with Outstanding provision for personal development. With a strong ethos, a diverse and welcoming community, and exciting new facilities as part of our redevelopment programme, The Hewett Academy is a fantastic place to work, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of young people.
It’s been a great few years for Hewett Academy with fantastic GCSE results, 8 pieces of artwork in the Royal Academy, a complete school rebuilding project opening in September 2026, an Ofsted grading of “Good with Outstanding features” and results that make us one of the highest performing in Norfolk and the 3rd most improved on progress in England! We now have an exciting opportunity for you to join our committed and hardworking team at Hewett Academy.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 1st September 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: AUG20268840.
Receptionist in Norwich employer: Inspiration Trust
Inspiration Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at King Edward VII Academy in King's Lynn. With a strong focus on employee growth through continuous professional development, generous leave, and access to health plans, we empower our Teaching Assistants to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to inspiring the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Norwich
✨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 Inspiration Trust 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 Inspiration Trust and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Norwich
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 Inspiration Trust.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Inspiration Trust 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 Inspiration Trust
✨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 Inspiration Trust.
✨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 Inspiration Trust will surely appreciate.
