At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our busy school office, supporting students and parents.
- Company: Join Northern Education Trust, a leading charitable education Trust in the North.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Flexible working requests considered; commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing is essential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in reception or administration, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 26016 - 26427 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: SCP 4– SCP 5 (£26,016 - £26,427 FTE), pro rata salary £24,164.36 - £24,546.11. Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment.
Working Type: 37 hours per week, 41 working weeks, 48.299 paid weeks.
Base: Farringdon Community Academy, Allendale Road, Sunderland, SR3 3EL.
Please note: the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
Farringdon Community Academy are looking for an experienced receptionist to work in our very busy school office. The successful applicant will support the learning team to ensure all of our students are supported. The role involves dealing with parents, students, contractors and all various external agencies. Demeanour, organisation and prioritising are key in this role.
Northern Education Trust offers:
- The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
- The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
- The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
- A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
- A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.
Employee benefits:
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests. The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Clish, Business Manager, at r.clish@northerneducationtrust.org.
Closing date: Monday 2nd November at 12 noon.
Receptionist (Secondary) in Sunderland employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist (Secondary) in Sunderland
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Northern Education Trust. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Northern Education Trust before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist (Secondary) in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Northern Education Trust:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Northern Education Trust specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Northern Education Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Education Trust
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
