Apprentice

Snowfields Academy; Grove Green; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

An Outstanding specialist school in Grove Green is seeking a motivated Receptionist/Administrator (Apprentice) to join their team. This role involves providing essential administrative support while fostering a welcoming environment for students and staff. Key responsibilities include organizing meetings, maintaining records, and effective communication. The role comes with a competitive salary of £14,122 per annum along with progression opportunities and additional benefits. A great starting point for those looking to kickstart their careers in education or administration.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

Access to virtual GP service

Collaborative network benefits

Qualifications

• Effective communication in various formats (including face-to-face and digital).
• Ability to manage tasks and priorities effectively.
• Experience in customer service and administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support and maintain records accurately.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students and staff.
• Manage tasks, organize meetings, and handle logistics.

Skills

Customer care skills

Communication skills

Administrative skills

Problem-solving skills

IT proficiency

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Please be aware that this role is based at the Bearsted College At Leigh Academy Snowfields, we believe every young person deserves the chance to succeed, no matter the challenges they face. We are looking for a passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic Receptionist/Administrator (Apprentice) to join our team someone who cares deeply about providing exceptional support to our school community and contributing to a positive, welcoming environment for students, staff, families, and visitors. This isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to play a vital role in the daily life of our academy, ensuring smooth communication, efficient administrative support, and a professional, friendly first point of contact for everyone who walks through our doors. We're seeking a motivated, organised, and resilient individual who enjoys working in a busy environment and building positive relationships. Whether you have previous administrative experience, customer-facing experience, or are just starting out in your career, what matters most is your commitment to supporting our community and embracing our vision for continuous improvement.

• A welcoming and supportive team who share your passion
• A school where every child is valued and celebrated
• A fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience - perfect if you're considering a career in administration or teaching!, Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face‑to‑face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best‑practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem‑solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required. Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know., Communication skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills

Leigh Academy Snowfields is an Outstanding specialist school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering a warm, inclusive, and aspirational environment across our Bearsted, Cranbrook and Minster Colleges. Across all sites, our dedicated team empowers every student to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our approach blends care with ambition - "Where Nurture Meets Aspiration" - and is underpinned by our core values: Be Kind, Work Hard, Communicate, Stay Safe, and Be Happy. We offer small class sizes, highly personalised support, and a broad, balanced curriculum that includes GCSEs and vocational pathways. Our specialist facilities in catering, horticulture, and land‑based studies prepare students for meaningful, independent futures. Awarded Ofsted Outstanding, Snowfields is more than a school - it's a collaborative and inspiring community where staff are valued, supported, and developed. Whether you're new to special education or an experienced practitioner, you'll be part of a forward‑thinking team making a real difference.

Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

• This position offers an actual salary of £14,122 per annum (£16,200 full time equivalent) based on 37.5 hours per week, Term Time + 1 week inset
• The working hours for this role are 8:15am - 4:15pm (Monday - Friday), with a 30 minute lunch break
• If you're ready to kickstart your career and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with Snowfields Academy!