At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and handling enquiries.
- Company: Join Mercia Learning Trust, a thriving partnership of schools dedicated to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and experience with computer software are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21322 - 21660 £ per year.
Actual salary: £21,322 to £21,660 (with under five years’ service)
Contract term: 37 hours, 39 weeks, maternity cover
Closing date: Midnight Tuesday 24 June 2025
Mercia Learning Trust is a successful partnership of four primary and three secondary schools located in the south-west of Sheffield. Established in 2012, with one secondary school, our trust has grown to serving over 5000 pupils, with 650 staff.
Why do we exist? To empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed.
How do we behave?
- We are kind - showing care and supporting each other.
- We have integrity - doing the right thing and always putting children first.
- We work with diligence - overcoming obstacles and having no excuses.
What do we do? We run schools that focus on academic excellence, cultural capital and the development of character.
How will we succeed?
- A culture of excellence – high standards shaped by clarity, not control.
- Academic focus – empowering all children through an exceptional curriculum.
- Purposeful collaboration – relationships built on trust, reducing sub-optimisation and driving collective success.
Our staff are a crucial part of our trust, just like our pupils. We are devoted to recruiting, training, retaining and taking good care of our highly skilled and dedicated team.
Newfield School is a mainstream secondary school for children aged 11-16. It is situated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, with approximately 1050 pupils on roll. Drawing from a wide catchment, the school offers a truly comprehensive experience.
Newfield School strives to provide all pupils, no matter their background or starting point, an academic curriculum that allows them to excel and thrive when they leave. We are committed to the most vulnerable pupils, and we are recruiting those who believe that high standards and expectations are necessary to lead pupils towards success.
We passionately believe in the need for a warm/strict approach as the bedrock of any success for pupils. Clarity and consistency are paramount for both pupils and staff as we work together to achieve our shared aspirations. Our pedagogical approach is clearly defined, emphasising direct instruction, the use of visualisers and high-level questioning to enhance learning. While we have established a strong level of consistency that supports pupil progress, we continually strive for excellence.
The role
Newfield School is seeking a first-class receptionist for our school. As part of the pupil services team, our receptionist is responsible for providing exemplary customer service to pupils, parents/carers, visitors and wider stakeholders. Our receptionists are the first member of staff to meet visitors to Newfield School, ensuring they are made to feel welcome. It is a busy environment where enquiries are dealt with from staff, pupils and visitors in person, on the telephone and email.
Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Processing external post
- Assisting with daily pupil registration
- Updating pupil records
- Ensuring all visitors are correctly signed in using our electronic system.
The candidate
We are looking for a well presented, professional, positive minded and hardworking individual. The ideal candidate will be flexible and able to work as part of a busy front of house team. The role of Receptionist involves working using a number of computer packages. It would be advantageous if the candidate has experience using Excel, Word, Bromcom and Outlook. A first-class telephone manner and customer service skills are essential. We are a friendly team who work hard to ensure our pupils are at the centre of what we do. The ability to quickly establish good working relationships with pupils, staff, parents, visitors would be desirable.
Newfield Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Receptionist in Sheffield employer: Merciatrust
Mercia Learning Trust is an exceptional employer located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development and a culture of excellence, employees are empowered to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students. The trust values integrity, kindness, and diligence, ensuring that all team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to the success of their pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Mercia Learning Trust. Understanding their commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service experience, especially in busy environments. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided exceptional service to visitors or clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your telephone manner and communication skills. Since a first-class telephone manner is essential for this role, consider doing mock calls with friends or family to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Research common software used in school administration, such as Bromcom and Outlook. Familiarity with these tools can give you an edge, so consider taking online tutorials or courses to boost your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the receptionist position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the duties mentioned.
Craft a Strong CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your previous experience in customer service, administration, or any relevant roles. Highlight your skills in communication, organisation, and any specific software you are familiar with, such as Excel and Outlook.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the school. Mention how your values align with those of Newfield School, particularly regarding their commitment to supporting pupils and maintaining high standards.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your contact information is correct. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merciatrust
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences and how you handle difficult situations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values
Mercia Learning Trust places a strong emphasis on kindness, integrity, and diligence. Research these values and think about how they align with your own beliefs. Be ready to explain how you embody these principles in your work.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
The role requires familiarity with various computer packages like Excel, Word, and Outlook. Brush up on these tools before the interview and be prepared to discuss your experience using them. If you have experience with Bromcom, make sure to highlight that as well.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage multiple tasks or resolve conflicts. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
