About The School - Downsend Sixth We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures. Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish. Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course. At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps. In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 108 schools located in 17 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves. The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Admin Assistant & Receptionist to join our fantastic team. About Cognita Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’. About The Role As the Admin Assistant and Receptionist, you will play an important role in delivering a high-quality, seamless experience for our parents, pupils, and visitors. You will help ensure that every family’s journey with Downsend is positive and professional, responding to enquiries efficiently, coordinating events, and supporting communication across the school. You will also provide expert administrative assistance to teaching colleagues, helping to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. Based at Downsend Sixth, you will be the welcoming face of the school, creating a friendly and proactive Front of House presence for students and visitors while managing a range of administrative tasks with confidence and care. This is a permanent, full-time role needed 40 hours per week for 40 weeks per year. To view our full Role Profile, click here. Who we are looking for: You are an organised, approachable, and detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to outstanding service. You thrive in a busy environment, juggling multiple priorities with efficiency and positivity. You are confident using digital systems, collaborative by nature, and able to build strong relationships across teams. Above all, you take pride in creating a warm, professional, and efficient administrative environment that reflects Downsend’s values and helps every family feel known, supported, and valued. Benefits at Cognita: Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience Enrolment to our company Pension Scheme Free lunch provided during Term Time School holidays and public holidays Free parking on site (subject to availability) School fee discount Exclusive third-party discounts Ongoing professional development How To Apply Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 16th November 2025 Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.