Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Support the little learners of Harris Primary Academy Orpington.

We are looking for a hard-working, reliable Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to contribute to the smooth running of our academy.

Your opportunity

You will be the professional and welcoming face of the Academy for all visitors, staff and students, including telephone callers, as well as assisting in the management of the reception area and providing administrative support.

Your main areas of responsibility will be:

• 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 the overall appearance of the reception area is tidy, professional and presentable at all times
• Carrying out general administrative duties 
• In liaison with appropriate academy colleagues, to contributing to the maintenance of academy information databases and filing systems relating to pupils
• To assist academy colleagues in all aspects of academy life, including contacting parents and pupils where necessary

As part of Harris, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education in London. With a multitude of progression routes  and outstanding CPD for support staff, expect to be supported throughout your career whatever your aspirations. For future teachers, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQML and NPQSL programmes to help you achieve your goals. Join us in our mission to cultivate an exceptional learning environment for all our students.

What we are looking for:

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful candidate will have:

• Qualifications to GCSE level or equivalent, and ideally to A Level (or equivalent)
• Competency in the use of databases and computers, including Microsoft Office
• Previous experience in an administrative or front office/reception role, demonstrable customer service experience and, ideally, experience of working in a school or educational establishment
• A good level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a good standard of written and spoken English
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks appropriately
• Commitment to delivering an excellent level of professional customer service
• The ability to remain calm and deal with challenging callers or visitors in an appropriate manner

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

About Harris Primary Academy Orpington

Harris Primary Academy Orpington is a ambitious two-form entry school which opened in September 2016 in Bromley. We are located just ten minutes from Orpington Train Station on public transport, or alternatively you can use our car park. We became part of the Harris Federation in September 2016 and we are now looking for teachers to join us on the next steps in our academy transformation.

We believe that every child is different and that everyone deserves the opportunity to be happy, secure and successful. The academy is surrounded by a large grounds which enables us to take our learning outside, including through Forest School. Our aim is to provide our pupils with a well-rounded and enjoyable education that ensures each child succeeds academically, physically and emotionally - preparing them for life in an ever-changing world.  We have identified six shared values, which we develop with the children throughout the academic year: Respect, Unity, Cooperation, Aspiration, Responsibility and Integrity. Our evolving curriculum has been designed to challenge and inspire the children; exposing them to a wide variety of exciting experiences including visits, events, sports, music and drama but also time to reflect and respond. As a result, our children develop excellent behaviour and social skills while they learn.

Next Steps

Please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your online application.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn without notice. Applications will only be considered if submitted online and before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Benefits Package

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package.

Find out more about Our Benefits

Being a part of the Harris Federation

We are recognised as the top performing large multi-academy trust in England for primary and secondary education. Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission of Harris. Holding a reputation for bringing transformative approaches to education, we hold a unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Our people are at the heart of this success. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of training programmes available at every stage of your career.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

Learn more About Harris and our Vision and Values

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

Read our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

Diversity and Equality

We are committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education.

Read our Diversity and Equality Notice