Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more
Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.
Ormiston Horizon Academy is seeking a positive, professional, and enthusiastic Receptionist to join our team. Working alongside our existing Receptionist, you\'ll be responsible for providing a warm and welcoming experience to the OHA community in person, over the phone and via email. A summary of the role is provided below. However, all applicants should refer to the full job description (attached) before applying.
The role is available for a full time or part time candidate working either 25 or 37 hours per week. It is a term time plus role, working 42 weeks per year. Actual starting salary dependent on working hours is £15,038.25 per annum (for 25 hours) to £22,256.61 per annum (for 37 hours)
Key Accountabilities
- To operate a reception service which promotes a professional and positive image of the school.
- To ensure exceptional communication with parents, carers, and other key stake holders.
- To support the smooth running of the academy\'s operations via a variety of administrative and support tasks.
- To undertake other tasks that would reasonably be expected to be undertaken by a School Receptionist / Administrator.
- Welcoming and signing in visitors.
- Signing students in and out of the academy.
- Responding to telephone calls and emails from parents, carers, staff, and other community members.
- Assisting in the preparation and distribution of key communications (letters, newsletters etc.)
- Managing the academy\'s general enquiries email address.
- Note taking for whole-staff briefings.
- Sorting, distributing, and sending mail.
- Producing, printing and photocopying documents.
- Making outgoing calls on behalf of the Principal, Principals PA, or Senior Staff.
- Undertaking a variety of ad-hoc duties commensurate with the grade that may be reasonable expected to be undertaken in a post of this nature.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- IT and keyboard skills.
- The ability to learn and operate a variety of computer-based systems.
- The aptitude to implement a range of administration procedures.
- NVQ L3 or equivalent qualifications or experience.
At OHA, our students, staff, families, and governors work together to ensure we provide a first-class education for all our learners. Our vision is simple, and all of our stakeholders work tirelessly to achieve it: At OHA, we provide an inspirational and ambitious learning journey to enable all our students to achieve beyond their Horizons…
Working at Ormiston Horizon Academy provides you with opportunities to shape the lives of really amazing young people, all the while progressing your own career and gaining job satisfaction.
Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust?
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.
We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.
Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
- Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
- A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits
Ormiston Horizon Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.
All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974 #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist & Admin AssistantEDV/2025/OHA/18111 in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Ormiston Academies 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 Ormiston Academies 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!
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 Ormiston Academies Trust:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Ormiston Academies 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 Ormiston Academies Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies 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.
