receptionist

The Blue Coat School; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

The Blue Coat School is seeking a friendly receptionist to provide a calm, professional front-of-house service during maternity leave. You will be the first point of contact for parents, carers, students, staff and visitors, handling a range of administration tasks in a busy school environment.

The role requires excellent organisational and communication skills, strong customer service, and a commitment to safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work calmly in a busy school environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Full Right to Work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional reception service to parents, carers, students, staff and visitors.
• Answer, screen and direct telephone calls; manage enquiries.
• Handle administration tasks and maintain records with accuracy.
• Support safeguarding checks and DBS processes as required.

Skills

Organisational skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Team player

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Professional development

Right to work in UK

Job description

Receptionist (Maternity Cover)

Make a Difference Every Day

No two days are the same in this rewarding and varied role. We are looking for a receptionist who is confident in dealing with a wide range of administration duties, delivering a professional and efficient reception service. The role will act as the first point of contact with parents/carers, students, staff, governors and visitors, whether in person or over the telephone.

We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person who can respond quickly in a busy school environment and stay calm under pressure. You should have good organisation skills and be thorough and accurate. The school actively encourages applicants from a range of backgrounds and is proud of the diversity of the staff.

We are seeking someone who:

• Has excellent organisational skills.
• Has excellent customer service skills.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Is understanding of confidentiality issues.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Works effectively as part of a team and contributes positively to school life.
• Is committed to ongoing professional development.
• Shares our belief that every student can succeed with the right support and encouragement.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly supportive school community and make a genuine difference to the lives of young people every day.

About The Blue Coat School

The Blue Coat School is a successful and ambitious secondary school with a strong commitment to inclusion, high achievement and student wellbeing. We are proud of our supportive culture, high expectations and focus on ensuring every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.

As part of the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET), we benefit from a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. Staff have access to high-quality professional development, specialist networks and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the Trust. We are committed to investing in our people and supporting all staff to develop and progress within their careers.

Salary: Actual salary £12,059-£13,260

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 11th October 2026

Interviews: Thursday 15th October 2026

Candidates

We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic person who can respond quickly in a busy school environment and stay calm under pressure. You should have good organisation skills and be thorough and accurate. The school actively encourages applicants from a range of backgrounds and is proud of the diversity of the staff with a Right to Work in the UK.

The Blue Coat School is committed to safeguarding young people and we ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are subject to full safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Any candidates selected for interview will be subject to an online search as part of our due diligence checks.