Required September 2026
Maida Vale School is an ambitious school that values creativity, curiosity, contribution and adaptability both in the classroom and beyond. We foster innovation while promoting warmth, kindness, and inclusivity, encouraging all students to aim high and achieve their full potential. Now in its seventh year, MVS continues to grow and strengthen its reputation as a positive, progressive, academically selective community.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised, and inspirational School Librarian to lead and develop our library. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about books, literacy, and supporting young people in developing a lifelong love of reading.
The School Librarian will play a central role in developing a vibrant, welcoming and inspiring library at the heart of the school community. They will champion reading for pleasure and academic curiosity, bringing literature and learning resources to life through engaging library lessons, reading initiatives, competitions, author visits, displays and enrichment opportunities. Working closely with staff across all departments, the Librarian will support the curriculum by ensuring students and teachers have access to high-quality fiction, non-fiction and digital resources that enhance learning and foster independent study skills.
The Librarian will oversee the day-to-day management and development of the library, including cataloguing, stock management, issuing and returning resources, managing students whilst in the library and maintaining an organised, safe and stimulating environment. They will guide students in developing research skills, selecting appropriate texts and becoming confident, enthusiastic readers. The successful candidate will combine excellent organisational and communication skills with a strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, contributing positively to the ethos of the school, helping to cultivate a whole-school culture of literacy, creativity and lifelong learning.
This role would suit someone who is enthusiastic about creating an inspiring library environment, enjoys working with young people, and is excited by the opportunity to shape and grow a library that is central to the school's academic and pastoral provision.
The school operates its own pay scale and offers a salary commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and the responsibilities of the role.
Requirements for the position
- Demonstrate the capacity to develop and build a vibrant and successful school library
- Experience of working in a school library
- Experience working with a library management system
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage staff, parent and pupil relationships
- The ability to develop and implement an annual development plan
- A willingness to use the school library as a resource for the development of teaching and learning
- A willingness to participate in the wider life and development of the school showing commitment to the ethos of the school and flexibility in achieving its aims
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Work with fantastic and engaging pupils
- Enjoy an inspiring new building
- Take part in extra-curricular trips and visits
- Take a leading role in developing school library further
Responsible to: line managed by a member of the English Department and, ultimately, responsible to the Headmaster.
The School Librarian will:
- To lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school library, ensuring it remains an orderly, welcoming and academically purposeful environment at the heart of the school.
- To promote a culture of reading, scholarship and intellectual curiosity across the school through the effective development and management of the library.
- To plan and deliver library induction sessions, reading initiatives and enrichment activities that encourage students to develop confidence and independence as readers and researchers.
- To organise and coordinate literary events, including author visits, reading competitions and other enrichment opportunities that support the wider life of the school.
- To support and guide students in the selection and use of appropriate fiction, non-fiction and research materials.
- To supervise students working independently within the library, ensuring a calm, purposeful and studious atmosphere conducive to learning.
- To supervise students using the library during break and lunch times, maintaining high standards of behaviour, conduct and mutual respect.
- To implement and uphold the School’s Behaviour Policy consistently and effectively within the library environment.
- To maintain high standards of presentation, organisation and discipline within the library always
- To work collaboratively with Heads of Department and teaching staff to identify, source and provide appropriate resources to support the curriculum and wider reading.
- To manage, maintain and develop the library catalogue and library management system, including the cataloguing, issuing and returning of stock.
- To oversee the organisation, maintenance and security of all library resources, facilities and learning materials.
- To administer library bookings and coordinate the effective use of the library by students and staff.
- To produce library guides, displays and informational materials to support effective use of the library and promote reading throughout the school.
- To work with the English Department to support the delivery of the school's Accelerated Reader programme, ensuring that books are accurately catalogued and maintained.
- To contribute to the strategic development of the library through the preparation and implementation of an annual Library Development Plan.
- To provide induction and guidance for new students regarding the effective use of the library and its systems.
- To liaise with external agencies, educational organisations and local libraries where appropriate to enhance the library’s provision and opportunities for students.
- To contribute fully to the safeguarding and welfare of students in accordance with the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
- To undertake such other reasonable duties as may be required by the Headmaster.
Pastoral & Co-Curricular
The ethos of the school is that of a family – sociable, supportive, nurturing – imparting emotional care and security to students, parents and staff. Our approach emphasises the partnership with parents, hence the unique and popular Parent Café. An extensive extra-curricular programme is in place, consisting of clubs and societies in sport, creative & performing arts, academic subjects, and areas beyond the curriculum.
Appointments
All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have. Maida Vale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students will be explored at interview.
Applications
Applications must be made on the school’s application form, which may be obtained via the school website: https://www.maidavaleschool.com/about-us/join-our-team
Please submit a completed application form and provide the contact details of two referees. One referee must be your current or most recent Headteacher. The second should be your current or most recent employer. If your current or most recent employer did not involve working with children, your second referee should be your most recent employer where you worked with children. Referees must not be relatives or individuals known to you solely as friends.
The school intends to seek references for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview, unless you indicate otherwise in your application.
Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected].
Closing Date
The closing date for applications to be received is 9am on Friday 7 August 2026. Suitable applicants will be contacted by telephone and invited to attend an interview. Interviews are likely to be held on the Wednesday 12 August 2026. Please note that interviews may be held on a rolling basis as suitable applications are received, therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Pay: Up to £22,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London W9 3HR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have the unrestricted and permanent right to work in the UK?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
