School Receptionist | Wakefield

The Opportunity

Wakefield is a city with a strong sense of community and a proud history of resilience and innovation. We are looking for a welcoming, organized, and professional School Receptionist to join our busy front-of-house team. As the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and students, you are the "face" of our school. This role is perfect for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands that a warm welcome and a calm efficiency are the foundations of a positive school culture.

The Administrative Team

The administrative team is the engine room of the school, ensuring that all operational processes run smoothly so that teachers can focus on teaching. You will work in a modern, vibrant reception area, supported by a close-knit team of administrators and the School Business Manager.

We pride ourselves on being a supportive and professional workplace. In a school setting, the reception desk is never quiet, but you will join a team that values humor, mutual support, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. We provide full training on our school-specific software and systems, ensuring you feel confident and capable from your very first day.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As the School Receptionist, you will manage the daily flow of the school’s front office. Your responsibilities will include:

• Front of House Excellence: Welcoming all visitors, parents, and contractors to the school, ensuring they sign in correctly and are issued with the appropriate security badges in line with safeguarding protocols.

• Communication Management: Operating the school’s busy switchboard, directing calls to the relevant departments, and managing the general school email account with accuracy and professional tone.

• Student Support: Acting as a central point of contact for students throughout the day, whether they are arriving late, feeling unwell, or requiring assistance with general inquiries.

• Admissions Assistance: Supporting the admissions team by distributing prospectuses, collecting registration forms, and assisting with the coordination of open evenings and transition days.

• Data and Administration: Using the school’s Management Information System (such as SIMS or Arbor) to update student records, track attendance, and produce daily reports for the Senior Leadership Team.

• Mail and Deliveries: Managing incoming and outgoing post, and coordinating the receipt of deliveries to ensure they reach the correct departments promptly.

• Safeguarding Compliance: Maintaining a high level of awareness regarding safeguarding, ensuring that the reception area remains a secure environment and that all visitor checks (e.g., ID verification) are carried out meticulously.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a poised and dependable professional who excels at multitasking. You should possess:

• Administrative Experience: Proven experience in a receptionist or administrative role, preferably within an educational or high-volume customer service environment.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written English, with the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• ICT Proficiency: High-level skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and a willingness to master school-specific database systems.

• Interpersonal Excellence: A calm, professional, and friendly manner, especially when dealing with busy periods or sensitive situations involving parents and students.

• Organization and Initiative: The ability to prioritize a heavy workload, stay organized under pressure, and take the initiative to solve minor operational issues as they arise.

• Commitment to Safeguarding: A clear understanding of the importance of child protection and a commitment to following all school security and safety procedures.

Why Join Our School?

Working in our Wakefield school offers a stable and rewarding career path within a community-focused environment. Benefits include:

• Professional Investment: Access to specialized training in school administration, safeguarding, and First Aid at Work.

• A Supportive Environment: Join a staff team where your role is recognized as essential to the success of the school.

• Stability and Benefits: A permanent position with a consistent shift pattern and access to the local government pension scheme.

• Community Spirit: The opportunity to work at the heart of the Wakefield community, building relationships with families and supporting the next generation.

How to Apply

To apply for this School Receptionist position in Wakefield, please submit your CV.