At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, welcoming visitors and managing communications.
- Company: Join a supportive school environment focused on community and growth.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Perfect for multitaskers who thrive in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of receptionist experience and strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 13657 - 14048 £ per year.
Part‑time, permanent position 20 hours per week Monday to Friday: 12.30pm to 4.30pm Term Time only (39 weeks per year).
Salary: NJC pay spine points 3 to 5: £28,617pa to £29,436pa FTE (Actual pro rata salary: £13,657pa to £14,048pa).
Start Date: September 2026.
The Role
We are seeking a Receptionist to provide a friendly and efficient reception service to assist in the smooth and effective operation of the school. In this dual role, you will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers, while also providing vital administrative support behind the scenes. The ideal candidate is a multitasker who can greet a visitor with a smile while keeping our office operations running like clockwork.
Key Responsibilities
- Front of House: Greet visitors warmly; manage the visitor sign‑in process and maintain a tidy, professional reception area.
- Communication: Answer, screen, and forward incoming phone calls, and manage the school email inbox.
- Administrative Support: Assist with data entry, preparing documents, filing, scanning and dealing with general Parentmail enquiries.
- Office Coordination: Manage incoming and outgoing mail/couriers, monitor and order office supplies. To be trained and provide first‑aid cover when required. To be able to cover for the morning receptionist when required.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience
Minimum 1‑2 years of experience in a front‑desk receptionist role and demonstrable administrative experience.
Skills and Attributes
- IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a professional demeanour.
- Organisational Skills: Strong ability to prioritise tasks, multitask efficiently, and problem‑solve.
- Reliability: High level of punctuality, discretion, and attention to detail. Adhere to the school dress code (professional business dress) and other school procedures.
Desirable
- Previous school experience.
- Knowledge of SIMS/Parentmail.
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.
- A current appropriate first‑aid certificate.
Additional Information
Training will be provided for the most suitable candidate.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Any offer of employment will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas criminal record checks where relevant, a background check including an online check of the applicant's social media accounts, and receipt of satisfactory references.
Receptionist (Afternoons) employer: The Hollyfield School
Join our vibrant school community as a Receptionist, where you will play a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment for students, parents, and visitors. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development, offering training opportunities to enhance your skills. Located in a dynamic educational setting, this part-time position allows for a balanced work-life schedule while contributing to the smooth operation of our school.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist (Afternoons)
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like The Hollyfield School and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at The Hollyfield School and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist (Afternoons)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and The Hollyfield School.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about The Hollyfield School and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Hollyfield School
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress The Hollyfield School.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which The Hollyfield School will surely appreciate.
