At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students and staff in a vibrant, creative school environment.
- Company: Join Norwood School, a dynamic place focused on performing and visual arts.
- Benefits: Opportunities for personal growth, internal promotions, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and customer service, with strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
As a Performing and Visual Arts specialism school, Norwood is an energetic and vibrant workplace with plentiful opportunities to get involved and support our students on their path to success. We are complimented on the warmth and friendliness of our school and wish to recruit a committed and ambitious School Clerical Officer/Receptionist to join our office staff. We are a popular local authority maintained school serving a diverse community. Creativity, positivity and high standards are at the heart of our school and the office team are central to this ethos.
Do you want a job where no day is ever the same, within a fast-paced creative environment? Can you contribute to the smooth running of school systems?
The successful candidate will:
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience in administration, preferably, though not necessarily, within a school setting
- Have proven experience in a customer-facing or public relations role, with a strong understanding of customer service practices in a public or educational setting.
- Be reliable and able to use time management skills effectively including managing tight deadlines
- Have knowledge and experience of using school MIS systems
- Be fully competent in the use of IT packages which must include Microsoft Office and Google Docs
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, be highly motivated and able to work well under pressure
- Have attention to detail
- Be fully committed to personal growth
- Be an excellent communicator in both verbal and written communication
- Be friendly and approachable with a welcoming and professional manner
- Be able to demonstrate the ability to work effectively and contribute positively within a team environment
- Be genuinely committed and passionate to ensuring high expectations for pupils, staff and themselves in alignment with our inclusive school ethos.
If this describes you then we would welcome your application to join the talented team staff at the Norwood School, providing high quality support to the community we serve. The Norwood School is a fantastic place to work and learn. Opportunities for internal promotion are maximised and encouraged. We want all our employees to feel included, bringing their passion, creativity, and individuality to work. We value all cultures, backgrounds and experiences and we genuinely believe that diversity drives innovation. Join our family and help us inspire every child to choose a remarkable life.
To be considered for this role, please complete a Lambeth application form and submit it to Sarah Jane Caliste, Headteachers’ PA: caliste.s@thenorwoodschool.org. For further details, you may also contact Sarah Jane Caliste. Informal discussions with the School Business Manager, Obe Edehomo, as well as visits to the school prior to submitting an application, are encouraged.
For your application to be considered, you must complete the application form attached to this advert. Please note that we do not accept CVs.
The Norwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.
The deadline for applications is on Friday 20th February 2026. Shortlisting will take place on Monday 23rd February 2026, with interviews scheduled for Friday 27th February 2026. Strong candidates may be invited to interview at any point after their application is received, so we encourage early applications.
Clerical Officer/Receptionist... employer: The Norwood School
The Norwood School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive environment where creativity and high standards thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, we encourage our staff to bring their unique talents to the forefront while providing high-quality support to our diverse community. Join us in inspiring every child to lead a remarkable life in a workplace that values warmth, collaboration, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerical Officer/Receptionist...
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at The Norwood School. 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 The Norwood School 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 Clerical Officer/Receptionist...
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 The Norwood School:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at The Norwood School 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 The Norwood School!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Norwood School
✨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.