Summary
Are you looking to start your career in a busy, professional environment where every day is different? Darras Hall Primary School is seeking a Receptionist/Administrator to join our school office team. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience and a recognised Level 3 qualification.
Wage
£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 0830 to 1630.
35 hours a week
Start date
Monday 3 November 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Our school reception is a vibrant hub of activity. You will be the first point of contact for pupils, parents, visitors, and staff, providing a warm welcome while ensuring that enquiries are dealt with efficiently and professionally. The role includes:
* Answering incoming telephone calls and directing queries appropriately
* Greeting and assisting visitors in line with school safeguarding procedures
* Supporting with general administrative tasks such as record keeping and data entry
* Learning how to use school systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly
This apprenticeship provides excellent on-the-job training and support, giving you the chance to build confidence, communication skills, and customer service expertise that will be valuable in any future career.
Where you'll work
Middle Drive
Ponteland
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE20 9DS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNCIL
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
* Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
* Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
* Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
* Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
* Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
* Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
* Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
Training schedule TBC dependant on the successful applicant.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4+)
* Maths (grade 4+)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
Other requirements
Enhanced DBS.