Part-Time Receptionist

This is an essential front-facing role at the heart of the school, acting as the first point of contact for parents, pupils, staff and visitors. You will play a vital part in ensuring clear, effective communication between home and school, and in creating a warm, welcoming and efficient reception environment.

Key responsibilities will include welcoming visitors, handling telephone and email enquiries, supporting communication with parents, managing day-to-day reception administration, and providing general clerical support to the wider school office.

Hours: 8.00 – 6.00pm Monday , 3pm – 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 2 – 6pm on Friday term time only.

Start date: March 16 2026

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
• Previous experience in a reception, customer service, or administrative role
• Experience of working in a school or educational setting (desirable but not essential)

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confident and professional telephone manner
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, staff and visitors
• Well organised, with the ability to manage a busy front desk and prioritise tasks effectively
• Accurate and efficient in administrative work, with good attention to detail
• Competent IT skills, including use of email, word processing and school management systems
• Ability to remain calm, courteous and professional under pressure

Personal Qualities

• Friendly, welcoming and approachable manner
• Reliable, punctual and flexible in approach to work
• Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong understanding of confidentiality and data protection
• Proactive and willing to use initiative
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form (https://www.durhamhighschool.com/parents/vacancies/) and submit as a pdf document, with a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 (pdf), outlining your reasons for applying and why you will be a good fit for our school community.

Your application should be addressed for the attention of the Headmistress and sent by email to: headmistress@durhamhighschool.com

Closing date for applications: Monday 9 February, 9.00am

Interviews will be held on Thursday 12 February.

Salary

The role will be paid on DHS Support Staff Scale Point 22 (FTE £24,824.85), which equates to £11,870.73 per annum. This includes 3 INSET Days and 4 Summer Holiday Days.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Durham High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check. In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, Durham High School will carry out an online search on the shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence, as per the governments ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education ’ document (September 2025)

Equal Opportunities

The School is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff and ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

Benefits

The successful applicant will benefit from:

• Being part of a fantastically vibrant and supportive community with the most amazing and enthusiastic pupils.
• Super facilities and small class sizes
• Royal London defined contribution pension scheme
• Staff Laptop
• Lunch provided each day during term time
• Up to 50% staff fee remission scheme for staff children from Reception to Sixth Form
• Employee assistance programme (Education Support)
• Blue Light reward card
• Access to in school counsellor
• Free onsite parking