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 community and educational excellence.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, term-time only, with a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in the lives of students and the community.
- Qualifications: Clear communication skills and a positive attitude towards supporting diverse individuals.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare is essential.
The predicted salary is between 12195 - 12389 £ per year.
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.
Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026 at noon
Interviews: Thursday 12 February 2026
Start date: To be agreed – February 24 onwards
Key Info
- Contract: Permanent, Term time only - total of 38 working weeks per annum plus two INSET Days (44.16 paid weeks including holiday allowance).
- Hours: Part-time – 20.5 hours per week over 2.5 days. Wednesday (11.45 - 4.30pm) Thursday (8.00am – 4.30pm) and Friday (8.00am – 4.15pm)
- 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, Insall Rd, Padgate, Warrington WA2 0LN
Receptionist/Clerical Assistant - Padgate Academy employer: Warrington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Warrington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Clerical Assistant - Padgate Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Padgate Academy and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their community-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Receptionist/Clerical Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with welcoming visitors and handling queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed tasks efficiently in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to keep the reception office running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Padgate Academy team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Clerical Assistant - Padgate Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and don’t be afraid to share a bit about your experiences that align with our PRIDE values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Receptionist/Clerical Assistant role at Padgate Academy. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your communication skills and customer service experience.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
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 vibrant school community at Padgate Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warrington Borough Council
✨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 they will be key in showing how you align with the school's mission.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Receptionist/Clerical Assistant, clear communication is essential. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, focusing on maintaining a calm and respectful tone. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with handling various scenarios, especially those involving visitors and phone calls.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous customer service roles and how you've handled different situations. Highlight any experience you have in dealing with people of all ages and backgrounds, as this will be crucial for the role. Remember, it's all about demonstrating your ability to provide excellent support to visitors and staff alike.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, the team you'll be working with, or the specific duties of the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if Padgate Academy is the right fit for you.