At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, handling enquiries and supporting our vibrant community.
- Company: Join St Peter’s, a successful secondary school with a supportive team atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and free access to local sports facilities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours during term time with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Previous receptionist experience and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 11973 - 12820 £ per year.
St Peter’s is looking for an enthusiastic part-time School Receptionist to join our friendly administration team, working 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, term time only. These rates are under review and are expected to increase from 1st April 2026.
St Peter’s is an extremely successful secondary school and Sixth Form set in attractive grounds on the outskirts of Guildford. We currently have a vacancy for a part-time School Receptionist to join our busy support team. Our receptionists are the first point of contact for all visitors to the school and deal with enquiries from students, staff and visitors both on the telephone and face-to-face. First aid and administration are also a large aspect of this role.
If you enjoy working as part of a team, are friendly, with a good sense of humour and looking for a new challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The ideal candidate will be:
- Experienced as a receptionist (not necessarily in an educational environment).
- A confident, organised, pro-active individual who can prioritise their time and workload, whilst having to deal with unexpected interruptions.
- A good communicator with an excellent telephone manner and experience of working in a customer focused environment.
- Able to remain calm whilst working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- IT literate - experience with using school database packages is desirable but not essential.
St Peter’s can offer you:
- The opportunity to join a friendly, supportive team.
- A varied workload with the necessary training and development to work effectively. Our reception team are trained first aiders. If you do not have a current certificate, you will be required to attend a one day first aid course, ideally prior to joining.
- A Local Government Pension Scheme.
- All staff benefit from free access to Spectrum, Guildford, Sports Centre. Including the gym, group exercise classes, spa and pool.
- An organisation with a unique ethos based on strong relationships, high expectations and emotional and spiritual health.
Our roles can receive high volumes of applicants and we may need to occasionally close a vacancy before the published closing date of the advert. Interviews will be arranged as suitable applications are received. We do not want you to miss out, so recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
If you would like to visit the school for a tour or have any other queries, please contact Annie Buchanan-Robinson, Head’s PA/Recruitment.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
In line with the statutory guidance document Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), the Xavier Catholic Education Trust will conduct online searches after the shortlisting process for any candidates who accept an invitation to interview.
School Receptionist employer: Xavier Catholic Education Trust
Contact Detail:
Xavier Catholic Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Peter’s and its ethos. When you walk into that interview, you want to show that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play with a friend or family member to nail that friendly, professional tone. It’ll help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those unexpected questions! Think about how you’d handle interruptions or stressful situations. Show them you can keep calm under pressure – it’s a key part of the job!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace School Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and your sense of humour.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience. If you've worked as a receptionist before, share specific examples that showcase your skills in communication and organisation.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate. So, get your application in through our website as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xavier Catholic Education Trust
✨Know the School
Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Peter’s. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, values, and any recent news. This will show your genuine interest in the school and help you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a School Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might face, like handling enquiries or dealing with unexpected interruptions.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
The job requires prioritising tasks and managing a busy workload. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully organised your time or handled multiple responsibilities. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for First Aid Questions
Since first aid is part of the role, brush up on basic first aid knowledge. Even if you’re not certified yet, showing that you understand the importance of first aid and are willing to learn can set you apart from other candidates.