Receptionist and Administrative Assistant


Company:	Harris Federation
Salary:	£30,225 to £30,225 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, NW8 0NL
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	5 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

About UsIn September 2017, we joined the Harris Federation, which runs 55 successful primary and secondary schools in and around London. Every Harris academy inspected by Ofsted is rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, with the majority rated ‘outstanding’. The core values and vision for the academy will be centred on dedication, determination and destiny. When students are dedicated to their studies and determined to succeed, all will achieve their destiny.

SummaryWe are looking for a Receptionist Admin Assistant to be the first point of contact for all visitors, staff and students at Harris Academy St John's Wood. You will assist in the management of the reception area as well as providing administrative support to contribute to the smooth running of the academy.

The actual salary for this role will be £25,412.25 (37.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year). Main Areas of ResponsibilityYour responsibilities will include:

Presenting the professional and welcoming face of the Academy to all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers

Ensuring all visitors are signed in to the academy in accordance with safeguarding procedures

Responding to queries from parents/carers and the general public with exemplary professionalism, ensuring that any messages or complaints are immediately dealt with, forwarded to the appropriate member of staff or escalated as required

Ensuring the overall appearance of the reception area is tidy, professional and presentable at all times

General administrative duties such as typing, photocopying, filing, collation and distribution of post

Contributing to the maintenance of academy information databases and filing systems relating to pupils, ensuring confidentiality is observed at all times and records are accurate and up to date

Assisting academy staff in all aspects of academy life, including contacting parents and pupils where necessary

Providing general support as required, including preparation of documentation, and administrative duties relating to specific areas such as academy calendar maintenance, extra-curricular activities, school trips, school meal arrangements

Qualifications & ExperienceWe would like to hear from you if you have:

Qualifications to GCSE level or equivalent

Competency in the use of Microsoft Office packages

Proficiency in the use of computers and databases

Previous experience in an administrative or front office/reception role

Demonstrable customer service experience

Good level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a good standard of written and spoken English

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Commitment to delivering excellent level of professional customer service

Ability to remain calm and deal with challenging callers or visitors in an appropriate manner

High level of attention to detail and accuracy of work

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack. Professional Development & BenefitsOur people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.Safeguarding NoticeThe Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.Equal OpportunitiesThe Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment. Next StepsIf you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

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