At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our academy, welcoming students and visitors.
- Company: Join a supportive Church of England academy with strong values.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours during term time, perfect for students.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a dynamic environment with a focus on respect and aspiration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a vibrant school community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a GCSE in Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 30394 - 37148 £ per year.
Job Hours: 12 hours (2 days) per week (job share)
Phase: Secondary
Job Type: Permanent
Job Weeks: Term time only
Job Time: Part Time
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role: We are seeking to appoint an organised, diplomatic and flexible person to be the first point of contact at the Open Academy. We would be delighted to hear from you if you have:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills appropriate to the need to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, parents and visitors
- GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English
- Experience of working in a busy office environment/reception area
- Ability to build and form good relationships with students and colleagues
- Ability to use ICT software packages, and have excellent keyboard skills
- Knowledge of Arbor would be desirable but is not essential
As a Church of England academy, our Christian ethos and our values of Aspiration, Perseverance and Respect shape everything we do, and we are looking for a colleague who will share and model them.
Working Hours: The exact working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate at interview but will fall within our academy hours for two days per week (job share), 8.00am – 2.00pm.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office to book an appointment on 01603 481640.
Interview date: w/c 23 November 2026
The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to full safeguarding checks as well as satisfactory references. The Trust's safeguarding policy can be found on our website.
This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.
Receptionist in Norwich employer: The Open Academy
The Open Academy provides a supportive work culture that values collaboration and communication among staff and students. With part-time job share arrangements, it offers flexibility for employees while promoting professional development opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Norwich
✨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 Open Academy 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 Open Academy and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Norwich
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 Open Academy.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about The Open Academy 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 Open Academy
✨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 Open Academy.
✨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 Open Academy will surely appreciate.
