Admin Assistant & Receptionist

Cognita Schools; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognita Schools is seeking an experienced Admin Assistant & Receptionist for their Downsend Sixth location in Leatherhead. The role involves coordinating communications, managing events, and ensuring a welcoming environment for students and parents. Ideal candidates will possess excellent people skills, strong communication abilities, and a proactive attitude. Join a vibrant team committed to creating a positive educational experience for students.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience

Free lunch provided during Term Time

Free parking on site (subject to availability)

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Proven customer service experience required.
• First Aid at Work certification is desirable.
• Experience managing the SCR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage enquiries via email and phone.
• Coordinate events and communications.
• Support teaching colleagues with administrative tasks.

Skills

Excellent people skills

Strong written and telephone communication skills

High attention to detail and accuracy

Proficiency in MS Office and cloud-based platforms

Reliability, flexibility, and initiative

Education

GCSE level education with Maths and English at Grades A*-C or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

ISAMs

Canva

Job description

About The School - Downsend Sixth

We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.

Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.

Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course.

At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.

In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 108 schools located in 17 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Admin Assistant & Receptionist to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 17 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About The Role

As a key member of the Administration Team at Downsend, you will ensure a seamless and high-quality parent experience across both the Main school and Sixth Form. Your responsibilities include answering enquiries via email and phone, managing events, and coordinating communications. You will support teaching colleagues with various administrative tasks and serve as the Front of House/Receptionist at Downsend Sixth, creating a welcoming environment for students and visitors.

Reporting to the Administration Manager & PA to SLT, you will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to deliver timely, relevant, and accurate communications, support parent events, and manage logistics. Additionally, you will work with the Admissions and Marketing Teams, provide support for clubs and educational visits, manage trip administration, and ensure pupil health records are up to date. Proficiency in school administrative platforms and providing First Aid support are also essential aspects of this role.

This role is needed 40 hours per week, 40 weeks per year and is immediately available.

To View The Full Job Description, Click Here .

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

Skills:

• Excellent people skills – confident, friendly, and customer service-oriented
• Strong written and telephone communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in MS Office and cloud-based platforms
• Reliability, flexibility, and initiative
  
  

Qualifications:

• GCSE level education with Maths and English at Grades A*-C or equivalent
  
  

Experience:

• Proven customer service experience
• Familiarity with MS Office products and MIS/cloud-based platforms like ISAMs
  
  

Desirable: Qualifications:

• First Aid at Work certification
• NSPCC Safer Recruitment in Education certification
  
  

Experience:

• Experience managing the SCR
• Proficiency with design packages such as Canva
  
  

If you’re someone who enjoys being a reliable point of contact and making a positive impact across the school community, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits At Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development
  
  

How To Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 22 June 2025

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.