Job Introduction
Receptionist – maternity cover
37 hours per week, term time only
Monday – Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm; Friday 8.00am - 3.30pm (includes a daily half an hour unpaid break)
Temporary for up to 12 months
EHCC Grade C FTE £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Actual annual salary: £21,544 - £22,449
The Westgate School is a warm, vibrant and forward-thinking community where colleagues and pupils learn together. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school, we are proud of our culture of academic excellence.
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, welcoming and conscientious colleague to be the first point of contact for parents, pupils and visitors coming to our all-through school. The role is based in our main Secondary Phase reception.
Why join us?
Working at The Westgate School means becoming part of a friendly, skilled and supportive team invested in your success. With 1,620 pupils across our two phases, we are lucky to have excellent teaching facilities, including science laboratories, computing suites, and a purpose-built art and sculpture block. We take pride in a lovely environment for teaching and learning.
The Westgate School is the lead school for the Winchester Schools Training Alliance (WSTA), working with 21 other schools in the Winchester district to train the next generation of teachers. Support colleagues employed by The Westgate School wanting to go on to apply for the WSTA training programme will automatically be offered an interview providing the course requirements are met.
What Ofsted says:
“The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence” Ofsted, September 2022
“Outstanding” Ofsted, November 2023
“Staff are incredibly proud to work at this school” Ofsted 2024
Benefits of working at The Westgate School:
- Full induction programme including training and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
- Ongoing personal development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment
- A friendly and welcoming school community
- Automatic enrolment to a generous local government pension scheme
- Benefits of local government sick pay
- On-site parking and access to EV charging stations
- Free use of health and fitness facilities
- Preferential nursery places in the on-site nursery at a reduced price
- Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children (after 2 years of employment)
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking an individual who:
- Has excellent interpersonal skills and a professional telephone manner
- Holds safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection requirements in the highest regard
- Is able to remain calm and demonstrate excellent decision-making skills, whilst managing a fast-paced, reactive role
- Has a high level of organisational skills, without compromising excellent customer service
- Has the ability to be flexible and use initiative whilst dealing with sensitive and confidential information in order to support parents, pupils and colleagues
- Has obtained maths and English qualifications to GCSE Grade C or above or their equivalent, and have good communication and literacy skills
- Is cheerful and approachable, with a good sense of humour and excellent time management skills
- Is a hard-working team player, able to work closely with professionals and parents
- Is willing to administer First Aid in the absence of the welfare team
- Working in an all-through school, is willing to cover the Primary Phase reception
- Either has familiarity with SIMS, or is willing to undertake the required training
Safeguarding:
The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Pre-employment checks:
All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.
Child Protection Policy:
You can find The Westgate School’s Child Protection Policy document on our policies webpage.
Equal Opportunities:
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
AI:
We encourage applicants to avoid using AI for their application and if doing so, please state this in the application. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own as it forms part of the basis upon which future employment may be decided.
How to apply:
Job descriptions and application forms are available at www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies.
Please send completed application forms to the HR team recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk
Please note, only submissions on the Hampshire County Council application form will be accepted.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 15 June 2026
Interview Date: Friday 19 June 2026
