Walhampton School is seeking a highly organised and enthusiastic Receptionist/Office Administrator (Maternity Cover, 1-Year Fixed-Term Contract) to join our busy School Office team. This is a key front-of-house role within the school, providing essential, professional and calm support to parents and staff while ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the School Office.
The successful candidate will be an outstanding communicator with excellent IT and organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. This is a fixed-term contract for approximately one year to cover maternity leave, starting in January 2026 (or earlier if available).
Line managed by the Head’s Executive Assistant, this role involves working closely with the Director of Finance & Operations, as well as the Administration, Marketing, and Admissions teams. A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office is essential, and experience in a similar role, particularly within a school environment or using an MIS system, would be advantageous.
This is a term-time role, but some flexibility to work additional hours (by mutual agreement) during school holidays will be required. It is a 50:50 job share, covering office hours from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. An additional 3.6 weeks, consisting of three days at the beginning and end of each term, is to be worked during the school holidays. The role offers approximately 26 hours per week, with flexibility on specific days and hours (currently 8am–6pm Mondays and Fridays, and 12pm–6pm Tuesdays).
Salary will depend on hours and experience, with a full-time equivalent (FTE) of £26,000 based on 40 hours per week over 52 weeks. The salary will be pro-rata, depending on the number of hours and weeks worked during the year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Acting as the first point of contact for parents, visitors, and staff, ensuring a warm and professional welcome.
- Managing incoming calls, handling enquiries, and recording accurate messages.
- Assist with daily registration of pupils and end of day sign-out, including following up unauthorised absences.
- Accurately using key school MIS, administrative and comms. systems.
- Managing pupil logistics, including school minibus service and boarders’ travel.
- Assisting with parent communications, including letters, emails, and newsletters.
- Assisting with the organisation of school events and trips, including preparing documentation and arranging transport.
- Dealing with mail and deliveries.
- Providing general administrative support to the Director of Finance & Operations and wider School admin. team.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience as a receptionist or office administrator in a busy environment (school experience desirable but not essential).
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a warm, calm and professional manner.
- Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in administrative tasks.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues.
- Experience with school databases (iSAMS and SOCS) is preferred but not essential.
- A proactive and positive approach, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- High levels of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Why Walhampton?
At Walhampton, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and supportive community where staff play a vital role in creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our pupils. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team in a thriving school.
If you are a professional, organised, and approachable individual who thrives in a busy environment, we would love to hear from you!
Apply Today!
It is our preference for candidates to apply by completing our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking 'Apply Now.' Should you prefer to apply offline, an alternative application form is available on request by emailing hr@walhampton.com.
The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks in line with the School's Safer Recruitment Policy. The information requested is required to enable the School meet its legal obligations to carry out these checks, should your application be successful.
Please note: Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing an application form. You may supplement your application with your CV, but we will not process a CV in isolation. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis, and we reserve the right to close the role on appointment. No agencies, please.
Closing date for applications: Monday 24th November 2025 (09:00)
Date for interview: Week Commencing 24th November 2025 (Provisional)
We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.
The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Action (IDEA) Working Party of staff, parents and governors to help drive forward positive change.