At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage calls, and provide clerical support in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Padgate Academy, part of The Challenge Academy Trust, focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in the school community.
- Qualifications: Clear communication skills and a friendly, reliable attitude.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to staff wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 12195 - 12389 £ per year.
What skills and experience we're looking for:
Start Date: To be agreed – February 24th onwards
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time – 20.5 hours per week over 2.5 days (Wednesday 11.45 - 4.30pm, Thursday 8.00am – 4.30pm, Friday 8.00am – 4.15pm). Term time only - total of 38 working weeks per annum plus two INSET Days (44.16 paid weeks including holiday allowance).
Pay Range: Grade 4 SCP 6 to 7 – Full year salary range £25,989 to £26,403 (Actual salary for term-time only: £12,195 – £12,389 per annum)
Padgate Academy, a distinguished member of the Warrington-based multi-academy trust "The Challenge Academy Trust," is committed to achieving excellence as a cornerstone of its community-focused mission. In May 2023, Padgate Academy was judged to be ‘good’ in all categories by Ofsted. We are determined to progress the school further but need the very best staff to do so. We look towards our PRIDE values (positivity, resilience, integrity, determination and endeavour), which we aspire to demonstrate on a daily basis.
We are seeking to appoint a Receptionist/Clerical Assistant. Duties include:
- Welcoming visitors and directing them to the appropriate destination
- Having confidence in dealing with people of all ages and backgrounds and providing support as required to members of the public visiting the school
- Answering the telephone and forwarding messages to staff in a timely manner
- Organising the reception office to assist with efficient systems of work
- Providing clerical and administrative support to teaching and administrative staff
- Carrying out general clerical/administration duties as required
- Dealing with queries related to activities at the school
- Ensuring a high standard of customer service at all times
- Providing First Aid on a rota basis (full training will be provided)
The post holder will fully subscribe to the vision and values of the school. The successful candidate must possess clear communication skills, maintain a calm and respectful demeanour with students and staff, uphold reliability, trustworthiness, and adhere to Academy policies and procedures.
Join us at Padgate Academy as we embark on an exciting journey towards educational excellence. Apply now to make a lasting impact in our vibrant school community. Applications for job sharing arrangements will be considered.
The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) and Padgate Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, requiring all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is mandatory.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted using the Padgate Academy non-teaching post application form available on our website at https://padgateacademy.co.uk/vacancies.
Closing Date: Monday 9 February 2026 at noon
Interviews: Thursday 12 February 2026
What the school offers its staff: At The Challenge Academy Trust we want to embed a culture that champions better work and working lives across the Trust; a framework to support and develop our workforce from ‘hire to retire’. Our staff workload, wellbeing and benefits offer demonstrates our commitment to ensure we can:
- Provide a workload that is fair and reasonable.
- Foster an environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted.
- Develop employee’s personal and professional skills & knowledge continuously throughout their careers.
- Provide structured routes for career progression.
- Reward people fairly with transparent and appropriate pay and conditions of service alongside additional benefits.
Commitment to safeguarding: Padgate Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Receptionist/ Clerical Assistant employer: Teaching vacancies
Contact Detail:
Teaching vacancies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/ Clerical Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
First things first, get to know the school! Research Padgate Academy and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand our mission and how you can contribute to our community-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Receptionist/Clerical Assistant, you'll be the face of the school. We want to see you confidently engage with visitors and staff, so role-play some scenarios with a friend or family member before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills! Think about examples from your past experiences where you've managed tasks efficiently. We love candidates who can keep things running smoothly, so have those stories at the ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at Padgate Academy. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/ Clerical Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A friendly tone and a bit of enthusiasm can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Receptionist/Clerical Assistant. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our PRIDE values. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can contribute to our community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points are highlighted so we can quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application using the non-teaching post application form available on our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies
✨Know the Academy's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Padgate Academy's PRIDE values: positivity, resilience, integrity, determination, and endeavour. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities, as you’ll want to show how you embody these values in your role as a Receptionist/Clerical Assistant.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Receptionist, clear communication is key. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, focusing on clarity and confidence. You might even want to role-play with a friend or family member to simulate the interview environment, which will help you feel more at ease when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous customer service roles and how you handled various situations. Think about times when you went above and beyond for someone or resolved a tricky issue. This will highlight your ability to maintain a high standard of customer service, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, or the school’s future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers and make a memorable impression.