Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Abingdon House School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A newly opened school in Greater London is looking for a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to join their team. This full-time, permanent position includes various duties such as managing visitor interactions, processing communications, and maintaining student records. Ideal candidates should have strong organisational and customer service skills, along with proficiency in Google or Microsoft tools. The school offers a supportive environment for staff and students along with various benefits including competitive pay and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive pay and company pension scheme

Professional development and additional training

Employee assistance programme membership

Lunch provided daily during term time

Sickness benefits

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent level education.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Demonstrable customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Google and/or Microsoft tools.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
• Experience working in a school office environment is desirable but not essential.
• Accounting skills desirable; training will be provided.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, parents, students, and staff.
• Greet visitors and manage visitor pass procedures.
• Answer phones courteously and provide information to callers.
• Maintain the front desk area, ensuring it is clean and organised.
• Process mail and deliveries, including checking receipts against orders.
• Input and maintain current and prospective student data on the school’s MIS.
• Prepare documents and school reports as requested.
• Communicate with staff, students and parents via telephone and email.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills

Demonstrable customer service skills

Proficiency in Google and/or Microsoft tools

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Education

GCSE or equivalent level education

Job description

Overview

We are a recently opened and thriving school seeking a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to support our administrative team. This full‑time, permanent role encompasses receptionist, administrative and accounting duties. The ideal candidate is highly organised, takes initiative, manages workload independently and has excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, parents, students and staff, maintaining a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
• Greet visitors and manage visitor pass procedures, operating the electronic gate system and upholding safeguarding and security protocols.
• Answer phones courteously, direct calls, take and redirect messages and provide information to callers.
• Maintain the front desk area, ensuring it is manned, clean, organised and presentable at all times.
• Process mail and deliveries, including checking receipts against orders, logging exam papers and liaising with the Exam Officer for secure storage.
• Input and maintain current and prospective student data on the school’s MIS; keep daily attendance records and follow up on student absences.
• Prepare documents and school reports as requested by the Office Manager and other staff.
• Communicate with staff, students and parents via telephone and email, and monitor the school’s “info@” inbox when required.
• Keep a log of student transport providers and liaise with them as necessary.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow established school policies.
• Monitor stationery and staff‑room supplies, maintain stock control.
• Represent the school professionally, take shared health & safety responsibilities, build good relationships with staff and students and attend staff meetings and INSET days.

Qualifications & Experience

• GCSE or equivalent level education.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Demonstrable customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Google and/or Microsoft tools.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
• Experience working in a school office environment is desirable but not essential.
• Accounting skills desirable; training will be provided.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and company pension scheme.
• Professional development and additional training.
• Welcoming school environment with wonderful students.
• Strong and supportive leadership team, passionate about staff and student wellbeing.
• Employee assistance programme membership, providing home‑life support, work‑life assistance, physical and emotional health support and wellbeing resources.
• Lunch provided daily during term time.
• Sickness benefits.

About the School

Abingdon House School, located in Purley, opened September 2023 as a day school supporting academically‑able students with a range of learning needs. Small class sizes, integrated therapist provision and specialist teaching reduce barriers to learning. We are part of the Cavendish group, a family of independent schools and colleges for students with special educational needs aged five to twenty‑one, offering a student‑centred approach between mainstream and traditional SEN education.

How to Apply

To apply, download the attached application form and submit it to Jonathan Mansell, Headteacher at [e-mail] directly or via the “apply” button. Closing date: Friday, 28th June. We will be interviewing suitable candidates before the closing date, so early application is advised.

We aim to be a fair employer and are committed to equal opportunities. We do not discriminate against employees on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, disability or age.

Cavendish Education is committed to safeguarding and child protection and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers share this commitment and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.