The Old School Henstead is a small independent prep school set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. We offer a rigorous and broad academic curriculum alongside a rich extra-curricular programme, with the aim of helping every child reach their full potential both academically and personally.
At the heart of the school is a nurturing and ambitious ethos. We work hard to create an environment in which children feel known, valued and encouraged as individuals, while also being challenged to develop confidence, curiosity, independence and a genuine love of learning. As a small school, we are proud of the strong sense of community we offer and the individual attention each child receives.
We put great emphasis on building strong relationships with pupils, which we believe allows them to flourish both academically and personally. We are also very proud of the way we prepare children for the next stage of their education, helping them to develop strong academic foundations alongside resilience, self-belief and the confidence to use their voices positively within the world around them.
Reporting to: Headteacher
Salary: Based on experience
Main Responsibilities
- To plan and prepare engaging and creative lessons which deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum, ensuring breadth and balance across all subjects.
- To provide a personalised approach to teaching and learning, recognising and nurturing the individual strengths, interests and needs of each child.
- To identify clear teaching objectives and learning outcomes, adapting learning appropriately to provide challenge, support and high expectations for all pupils.
- To inspire curiosity, independence and a genuine love of learning through imaginative and engaging teaching.
- To help pupils develop confidence, resilience, independence and strong learning behaviours alongside academic success.
- To organise and manage groups and individual pupils effectively, adapting teaching to meet the needs of all learners.
- To embrace the opportunities offered by small class sizes, building strong relationships and tailoring learning to individual pupils.
- To maintain effective systems of assessment, record-keeping and reporting in order to monitor and support pupils’ academic progress.
- To contribute to the development and co-ordination of a curriculum area and to participate in the ongoing development of teaching and learning across the school.
- To support a rich and varied curriculum which includes specialist teaching, outdoor learning and hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
- To create and maintain a caring, supportive and purposeful classroom environment in which children feel known, valued and encouraged.
- To contribute to a culture in which children feel safe, valued, listened to and encouraged to use their voices positively.
- To build strong relationships with pupils and contribute positively to the warm, nurturing pastoral ethos of The Old School Henstead.
- To support pupils’ social, emotional and personal development alongside their academic progress.
- To maintain high standards of behaviour and safeguard pupils’ health, safety and wellbeing in accordance with school policies and procedures.
- To communicate effectively and professionally with parents regarding all aspects of pupils’ education and wellbeing.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and external agencies in support of pupils where appropriate.
- To contribute positively to the wider life of the school, including trips, residentials, performances, clubs, fixtures, enrichment activities and community events.
- To play a full and active role in the wider life and community of the school, embracing the opportunities and responsibilities that come with working in a small independent prep school.
- To support outdoor learning opportunities, educational visits and experiential learning where appropriate.
- To participate fully in staff meetings, professional development and the wider life of the staff team.
- To contribute to whole-school decision-making and the ongoing development of policies, curriculum provision, teaching approaches and pastoral care.
- To support the Headteacher in promoting the values, ethos and learning behaviours of the school.
- To ensure that school policies and expectations are reflected consistently in daily practice.
- To engage positively with continuing professional development and professional reflection.
- To promote the welfare of children and support the school in safeguarding pupils through adherence to all safeguarding policies and procedures.
- To promote equality, inclusion and respect for all members of the school community.
- To recognise that health and safety is the responsibility of every employee and to comply with the school’s
Health and Safety policy and procedures
- To undertake such additional duties as may reasonably be required within a small independent prep school environment.
- This job description will be reviewed annually as part of the appraisal process.
Safeguarding
The Old School Henstead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to
an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and appropriate safeguarding checks.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All members of our school community - staff, governors, parents
and pupils - play an important role in ensuring that children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
At The Old School Henstead, the welfare of our pupils is always our paramount concern.
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
