Receptionist

About this Role

Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers' Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This national recognition reflects our long-term commitment to educational excellence, innovation and community. It is an exciting and proud moment to be joining our school.

The Opportunity

There are few roles in a school that shape first impressions as profoundly as Reception.

We are seeking a warm, organised and highly professional Receptionist and Administrator to become a central part of our Prep and Pre-Prep community. As the first point of contact for many parents, pupils and visitors, you will play an important role in creating the welcoming, caring and efficient environment for which Habs is known.

This is far more than a traditional reception post. Alongside ensuring that day-to-day communications run smoothly, you will contribute to the life of a busy and vibrant school, supporting attendance processes, assisting with key events and helping colleagues, pupils and families navigate the school day with confidence.

The role would suit someone who enjoys working with people, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in bringing order, reassurance and positivity to everyday

This role is Term-Time plus 1 week (36 weeks of the year), working 08:30 to 16:00

About the Role

At the heart of this position is a commitment to excellent service and strong relationships. You will act as a trusted point of contact for families and colleagues, ensuring that communication is handled with professionalism, warmth and discretion.

You will:

• Create a welcoming and positive experience for all visitors, parents, pupils and staff.
• Ensure that enquiries are managed efficiently and directed appropriately.
• Support the smooth operation of the Prep and Pre-Prep School Office and Reception throughout the school day.
• Help maintain accurate attendance records and support the school's safeguarding procedures.
• Provide administrative support that enables colleagues and school leaders to focus on delivering an exceptional educational experience.
• Contribute to the organisation of school events and the wider life of the Prep School community.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to ensure that systems, communication and day-to-day operations run effectively.

About You

You will be a highly organised and approachable professional who enjoys working with people and takes genuine satisfaction in helping others. You will understand that every interaction contributes to the experience of pupils, parents and visitors, and will bring both warmth and efficiency to the role.

You may already have experience in a school environment, or you may have developed strong customer service and administrative skills in another setting. In either case, you will be able to balance competing priorities while maintaining a calm, positive and professional approach.

You will have:

• Experience in a reception, administrative or customer-facing role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems and learning new technologies.
• The ability to manage competing demands effectively in a busy environment.
• A professional, welcoming and service-focused approach.
• Good judgement and discretion when handling confidential information.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Experience of working in a school or educational setting, together with familiarity with attendance systems, visitor management procedures or parent communication platforms, would be advantageous but is not essential.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate’s experience
• The opportunity to work in a vibrant, ambitious, and supportive school community alongside exceptional colleagues who are deeply committed to excellence and to one another
• Generous private pension scheme through Aegon with substantial employer contributions
• Life assurance cover
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering confidential support, guidance, and advice
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities within a culture that values growth and continuous learning
• Free lunch and refreshments during the working day
• Free onsite parking and access to the Schools’ extensive coach network
• Free access to excellent sports facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes
• Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, including yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks
• Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice
• Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform offering discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources

Pay: Up to £26,510.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person