Cranleigh Prep is seeking a warm, professional, and highly organised Receptionist & School Administrator to join our team from the end of August 2026. As the vital first point of contact for parents, visitors, and pupils, you will provide a welcoming interface while managing a fast-paced front office environment.
This is a highly visible, multi-faceted role combining outstanding customer service with essential school administration, registration tracking, and operational support.
Key Responsibilities
- Front of House & Welcome: Act as the primary interface for all visitors, manage the central sign-in system to strictly enforce safeguarding protocols, and efficiently handle the main switchboard.
- Pupil Support & Pastoral Care: Provide a reassuring, compassionate presence for pupils aged 3–13, deliver basic first aid for minor injuries, and assist children with daily operational queries.
- Registration & Attendance: Manage daily morning and afternoon registration processes and track real-time pupil absences using the iSAMS database.
- Operations & Communication: Broadcast vital school updates to parents, update daily bus manifests, and coordinate transport for school trips.
- Office & Financial Administration: Manage the school stationery cupboard, process purchase orders and invoices, and provide administrative support to the Head's PA.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience: Proven background in a busy, fast-paced reception or customer-facing administrative role.
- Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication, strong digital literacy, and an excellent telephone manner.
- Attributes: A polished, welcoming demeanour, absolute discretion, and a genuine interest in the welfare of children.
- Desirable Criteria: Previous administrative experience within a UK independent school, familiarity with iSAMS/SOCS software, and a valid First Aid qualification.
- Flexibility: The ideal candidate will have the flexibility to occasionally cover the co-receptionist as required.
Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits.
For further details about the role, please see the job description below.
To apply, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button in the top right corner.
Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), and as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am 21st July. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.
Please note, Interviews are likely to take place on the 27th and 28th July.
Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.
Our motto defines every aspect of school life and the foundation of a career at Cranleigh.
To empower our staff to be the best they can be so that they thrive in all aspects of their professional and personal lives.
To inspire a dedicated community of professionals who think globally, act with integrity, and make courageous contributions to the running and success of our school.
To nurture problem-solvers, creatives, and skilled communicators across all departments, valuing colleagues who model curiosity, generosity, and humility.
We are one school with two sites (Prep and Senior), united by a single, dedicated team.
We are unapologetically ambitious for all our staff, providing the professional development, modern tools, and support needed to excel in every department.
We believe every member of our team—whether working in the classroom, operations, administration, or support services—is capable of outstanding performance within the healthy, happy, and inclusive atmosphere we work so hard to maintain.
We expect our team to bring passion to their roles, collaborate across departments, and engage constructively with feedback and growth.
We work in partnership with colleagues to provide a balanced, supportive environment that nurtures personal responsibility and the well-being of every staff member.
We set our people up for success. Whatever your role, expertise, or background, you will find a champion, a mentor, and a collaborative community at Cranleigh.
From this culture, our staff find the strength to:
ASPIRE BOLDLY by setting ambitious goals, embracing operational and educational challenges, and striving for excellence. We champion curiosity, creativity, and a proactive appetite for problem-solving.
BE YOURSELF by bringing authenticity, self-awareness, and confidence to work every day. We value resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence across our entire workforce.
CARE FOR OTHERS by practicing kindness, empathy, and service. We foster a whole-school environment of deep respect, compassion, and true collaboration.
This is the spirit of Cranleigh.
