Front of House Receptionist | Secondary Academy | Bristol

The Opportunity

Bristol is a city renowned for its creativity, innovation, and diverse community spirit. We are seeking a professional, welcoming, and highly organized Receptionist to join the administrative heart of a bustling secondary academy. As the first point of contact for students, parents, and high-profile visitors, you set the tone for the entire school. This is more than a desk job; it is a vital safeguarding and ambassadorial role in a fast-paced educational environment.

The Role & Department

You will be the "Face of the School," based in the main reception hub and reporting to the Office Manager. The environment is dynamic and ever-changing—you might transition from welcoming a guest speaker to managing a student’s forgotten PE kit in a matter of seconds. You will work alongside a collaborative administrative team, ensuring that communication between the school, the home, and external agencies is seamless and professional. This role is central to the school’s security, acting as the primary gatekeeper for site access.

Core Responsibilities

• Visitor Management: Managing the electronic sign-in system (e.g., Inventry), verifying ID, and ensuring all visitors are aware of safeguarding and fire safety protocols.
• Communication Hub: Handling a high volume of incoming calls and emails, directing inquiries to the correct department, and providing accurate information to parents and the local community.
• Student Support: Assisting students who come to reception with queries, managing the "late gate" register, and coordinating with the medical room for pupil collections.
• Logistics & Admin: Managing the school’s busy calendar, booking meeting rooms, handling incoming and outgoing mail, and providing clerical support for large-scale mailouts.
• Safeguarding Vigilance: Maintaining a calm and secure entrance environment, identifying potential unauthorized visitors, and following strict protocols for student sign-outs.

The Successful Candidate

We are looking for a "people person" who remains unflappable under pressure. Requirements include:

• Experience: Previous experience in a reception or high-end customer service role is essential; experience within a school setting is a significant advantage.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive or difficult conversations with empathy and discretion.
• Tech Proficiency: Confidence using Microsoft Office and school-specific databases (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom).
• Adaptability: The ability to multitask effectively while maintaining a warm, professional, and helpful demeanour at all times.

Why Join Us?

• A role that sits at the center of the school community, where you can build positive relationships with staff, students, and families.
• Access to professional development in areas such as Safeguarding Level 1, GDPR compliance, and advanced administrative systems.
• The opportunity to work in Bristol, a city with exceptional cultural energy and strong transport links (Temple Meads, M4/M5 corridor).
• A stable, term-time-only position that offers a clear structure and the reward of supporting a high-achieving educational team.

How to Apply

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process for this Receptionist position.