Receptionist & Admin Assistant Middle School

Receptionist & Admin Assistant at Ferndown Middle School

£26,427 per annum (full time equivalent); actual salary for part-time, term-time only working: £20,667 per annum

34.75 hours per week, (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:15am to 4:30pm, Wednesday & Friday 8:15am to 2:30pm)

Term-time only

Fixed term for 1 year (maternity cover)

Every school has a first hello.

It's the warm welcome at the reception desk, the reassuring voice on the phone, the helping hand offered when someone needs support. It's where pupils, families, staff and visitors experience the school's values in action from the moment they walk through the door.

At Ferndown Middle School, we're looking for a Receptionist & Admin Assistant who will play a vital role at the heart of our school community. As the first point of contact for many people, you'll help create a positive, safe and welcoming environment while ensuring the school office runs smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes.

• welcome pupils, parents, staff and visitors, ensuring everyone receives a professional, friendly and supportive experience
• manage the busy reception area, handling enquiries, telephone calls and visitors in line with school safeguarding and security procedures
• provide high-quality administrative support, maintaining accurate records and supporting key school processes including attendance, communication and pupil information
• assist with the organisation of school events, meetings and activities, helping the wider school community stay connected and informed
• contribute to a calm, organised and efficient environment that enables staff to focus on what matters most: helping children thrive

• kind, approachable and child-centred, with a genuine commitment to helping children, families and colleagues feel welcomed and supported
• calm and organised, able to prioritise competing demands and maintain a positive approach in a busy school environment
• a confident communicator who builds positive relationships with pupils, parents, staff and external partners
• professional, discreet and trustworthy, with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• comfortable using ICT systems and administrative software, with excellent attention to detail and a willingness to learn
• flexible, proactive and collaborative, always ready to support the wider team and contribute to the life of the school

If you would like to visit the school, please contact the school office on or email

Closing date: 1 November 2026

Interview date: w/c 9 November 2026

Please note:

Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Ferndown Middle School is a vibrant and caring school serving children in…