Receptionist and Clerical Assistant

Salary: Grade D 25,185 - 25,989 pro rata (actual salary 21,662 - 22,354)

Hours of work: 37 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

A bit about us:

Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.

We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the whole child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.

Our mission statement is Aspire, Achieve and Thrive.

All about the role:

We are now looking for a Receptionist & Clerical Assistant to join our busy team. Your role will primarily include:

• Welcome visitors to the school, ensuring all relevant procedures are followed.
• Receiving and prioritising incoming telephone calls, dealing with them appropriately. Liaise with staff, Governors, pupils, parents and outside agencies as directed.
• Placing orders and processing invoices.
• Dealing with incoming and outgoing post, ensuring incoming deliveries reach the appropriate colleague.
• Undertake general word processing and other IT functions in support of the office, including (but not exclusively) letters, school documentation and school website.
• Organising school transport for pupils
• Assist the Office Manager and the Bursar with uniform and school lunch recording and associated payments

To succeed in this role, you should be able to demonstrate:

• A good telephone manner, polite and professional at all times
• Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
• ICT/word processing experience
• An eye for detail and accuracy
• Good interpersonal skills
• Experience of working on your own initiative

Communication is key to this role, therefore your skills in this area will be exceptional.

Find out more and apply:

To apply, please download the application form and click the apply now button below to upload your completed application form and a covering letter a letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, online. Please address the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.

Job application privacy notice

Equality and diversity monitoring form (to support application forms)

We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.

Closing date (and time): 9am Monday 18th May 2026

Interview date: As soon as possible

Commencement date: As soon as possible

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not protected under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.