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- Tasks: Deliver a welcoming reception service and support students and events.
- Company: Join the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of the college and make a difference every day.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and maths required; customer service experience preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 23557 - 26754 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £23,557 and £26,754 per annum (Pro‑Rata) DOE and qualifications, 27 days annual leave (Pro‑Rata) plus Bank holidays, people’s pension, retail and leisure discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 20 hours per week – 52 weeks per year – Working hours are 13.00 to 17.00 Monday to Thursday, and 12.30 to 16.30 on Friday.
Contract Type: Permanent – Part Time
About The Role
- Front‑of‑House Leadership & Customer Experience: Deliver an exceptional, welcoming and professional reception service, acting as the main point of contact for visitors, students and staff while upholding the College’s customer service standards.
- Reception Operations & Communications: Manage the front desk efficiently by handling calls, emails and enquiries, preparing ID cards and permits, coordinating visitor sign‑in and parking, maintaining tidy reception areas and updating CRM records accurately.
- Administrative & Support Duties: Process post and parcels, manage the “New Staff” inbox, support cashing‑up and service open/close procedures, complete stock checks and ensure course welcome packs and materials are accurate and ready.
- Student & Event Support: Provide frontline assistance to students, guide part‑time learners to classrooms, support College events such as Open Days, Discovery Days and Enrolment, and contribute to wider Directorate activities.
- Compliance, Safeguarding & Professional Standards: Follow health & safety, GDPR and safeguarding procedures, maintain professional conduct and appearance, and participate in mandatory training and development across campuses.
About You
- Qualifications & Core Skills: GCSE‑level English and maths (A*–C/9–4 or equivalent) with strong ability to use the internet, email and maintain both computerised and manual record systems.
- Customer Service & Front‑of‑House Experience: Experience working in customer‑facing or reception environments, handling challenging situations professionally and consistently creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Professional Conduct & Communication: Confident and polite communicator in person, by phone and in writing, demonstrating calmness, patience and professionalism, including adherence to dress codes and service standards.
- Teamwork, Organisation & Values: Able to prioritise tasks in a busy open‑plan environment, work effectively within a team, uphold College values (Caring, Continuous Improvement, Educational Excellence, Inclusive, Student‑Centred, Teamwork) and maintain high performance even during peak activity.
- Safeguarding, Flexibility & Reliability: Committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate boundaries, willing to update skills, aware of health & safety requirements, flexible to work evenings/Saturdays and able to travel independently across campuses.
Interviews to be held 23 February 2026
Vision Values
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land‑based college; The Bedford Sixth Form (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community‑based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provide information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex‑Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Receptionist in Bedford employer: The Bedford College Group
Contact Detail:
The Bedford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Research Bedford College and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their student-centred approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve handled challenging situations with grace. This will help you shine during the interview when they ask about your front-of-house experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Since this role is all about professionalism and creating a welcoming atmosphere, make sure you present yourself well. First impressions matter, so show up looking sharp and ready to represent the college.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to add a personal touch that reflects your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Receptionist. Highlight your customer service experience and any relevant skills that match what we’re looking for in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since you'll be the first point of contact for our visitors!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a receptionist at Bedford College. Familiarise yourself with their customer service standards and think about how your previous experience aligns with these expectations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and students. Practice clear and polite communication, both verbally and in writing. Prepare examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past to demonstrate your professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The college values teamwork highly, so be ready to discuss how you work effectively within a team. Share specific instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, highlighting your ability to contribute positively to the workplace environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the College
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Bedford College's values, culture, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
