School Receptionist & Front of House Administrator (ASAP Start)

Location: Newham, East/Inner London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent or Long-Term Contract (Term-Time Only + 1 Week, 35–37.5 hours per week)

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

A bustling, forward-thinking secondary school and Sixth Form in the London Borough of Newham is seeking a welcoming, organized, and highly professional School Receptionist & Front of House Administrator to join their main office team immediately. Situated at the heart of a diverse and dynamic East London community, this immediate-start role is the public face of the school. It is ideal for an experienced administrative assistant, corporate receptionist, customer service specialist, or school secretary eager to manage front-of-house operations, project a warm and professional image, and keep daily administrative workflows running smoothly.

About the Role

Stepping into the main office for an immediate start, you will be the first point of contact for parents, visitors, contractors, staff, and students. Working closely with the Office Manager and Senior Leadership Team, you will manage main reception desk logistics, handle incoming calls, oversee visitor safeguarding protocols, maintain student attendance records, and support general administrative functions across the school. Your calm demeanor, efficient multitasking, and exceptional communication will set a welcoming tone for the entire school environment.

• Environment: A modern, high-volume Inner London secondary campus featuring upgraded administrative suites, digital visitor management systems (e.g., InVentry), and integrated school databases (e.g., SIMS, Arbor, Compass)

• Culture: A fast-paced, collaborative, and inclusive workplace where every team member contributes directly to student welfare, community engagement, and operational excellence

Key Responsibilities

• Front of House & Visitor Management: Greet all visitors, parents, contractors, and officials warmly; enforce strict safeguarding protocols by verifying identification, issuing visitor passes, and maintaining accurate digital sign-in logs.

• Telecommunications & Enquiries: Manage the main switchboard efficiently, fielding incoming telephone calls, triaging inquiries, taking accurate messages, and redirecting calls to relevant staff members or departments.

• Administrative & Data Operations: Provide administrative support to senior leaders and teaching staff, including preparing letters, managing student attendance data entry, processing incoming/outgoing mail, and updating student records on MIS databases.

• Student Reception & First Aid Support: Assist pupils coming to reception with inquiries, late arrivals, or uniform checks; liaise with the school nurse/first aiders to handle student illness protocols and parent notifications.

• Office Maintenance & Procurement: Ensure the main reception foyer and office spaces remain tidy, professional, and stocked with school publications; assist with stationary stock control and general office logistics.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience working as a receptionist, administrative assistant, or customer service professional (prior experience within a secondary school, college, or educational setting is highly desirable).

• Proficiency in standard office IT software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) and working knowledge of school management information systems (e.g., SIMS, Arbor, or similar MIS databases).

• Strong understanding of statutory safeguarding practices (KCSIE), GDPR regulations, and visitor verification procedures within a school setting.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, exceptional phone manner, and the ability to project warmth, authority, and professionalism under pressure.

• First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to undertake training immediately upon appointment).

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Inner London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with administrative experience and qualifications).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), term-time working pattern providing strong work-life balance, funded continuous professional development (CPD), and access to staff health and wellbeing benefits.

How to Apply

If you are an articulate, customer-focused administrative professional ready to make an immediate impact as the face of an ambitious secondary school in Newham, we encourage you to apply right away. Please submit your CV and completed application form for immediate consideration.