Receptionist/Assistant Administrator

Acorn Care and Education; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organisation in Wakefield is seeking a School Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. This role involves greeting visitors, handling calls, and providing administrative support within a specialist school environment. Candidates should have strong IT skills and at least two years of administrative experience. The position offers a salary of £22,160.62 per annum and the opportunity to work in a supportive team that directly impacts the lives of young people. Join us to make a difference!

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Access to mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ office or administrative experience.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in a school or educational setting (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming, professional reception for all visitors.
• Answer calls and respond to enquiries from parents and professionals.
• Maintain organised office systems, trackers and documentation.

Skills

Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)

Excellent customer service

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy! How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four? Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4‑Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title

Receptionist/Assistant Administrator

Location

Meadowcroft School, Wakefield, WF1 4AD

Salary

£22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 7.45am - 3.45pm

Contract

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start Date

January 2026

Eligibility

UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Join Meadowcroft School as our School Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Do you bring warmth, professionalism and energy to every interaction? Are you ready to be the friendly face and organised heartbeat of a school that transforms young people’s lives? If so, Meadowcroft School wants to hear from you!

About the Role

As our School Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, you will be the first smile visitors see, the reassuring voice on the phone, and the organisational engine that keeps our school running smoothly. You’ll manage a busy reception, support staff across departments, and ensure that systems, processes, and communications operate efficiently and professionally. You will help create a welcoming environment where pupils, parents and visitors feel valued, while also providing vital administrative support behind the scenes. From handling correspondence and maintaining records, to supporting Family Liaison Officers, DSL, SEN and Quality of Education teams, your work will ensure the school functions seamlessly every day. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys being part of a team, and wants to make a real difference to the lives of young people and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming, professional reception for all visitors and manage sign‑in procedures
• Answer calls and respond to enquiries from parents, agencies and professionals
• Support staff with general administrative tasks, including letters, documents and meeting paperwork
• Maintain organised office systems, trackers and documentation
• Order resources, manage petty cash, and oversee key/transport requests
• Administer medication as required (training provided)
• Assist with safer recruitment checks for agency staff
• Provide flexible cover during staff absence and support school teams as needed

Who We’re Looking For

• Minimum of two years’ office or administrative experience
• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook)
• Excellent customer service, communication and organisational skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Flexible, proactive and able to prioritise under pressure
• Empathetic, patient and approachable, especially with young people with additional needs
• Team player with initiative and a professional, reliable approach
• Experience in a school or educational setting (desirable)
• Driving licence for travel across multiple sites (highly desirable)
• Committed to safeguarding, equality and personal development

About Us

Meadowcroft is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged from 5 to 19, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs across 4 sites in Wakefield. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils. We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.