We are seeking to appoint a university undergraduate (placement year) or graduate or mature Sixth Form leaver in the Prep department (pupils aged 8 to 12) for a one year, fixed-term contract. We are looking for applicants who can start work on 2 September 2026 and can commit for the entire academic year, until 9 July 2027.
The role of a Graduate / Gap Year Assistant at Harrodian is hugely rewarding and will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to become widely involved in the busy life of our exciting school. The Prep Assistant will be expected to support teachers within the Prep department with a wide range of teaching-related practical and administrative duties, including leading small and 1:1 groups, managing resources and classroom preparation, and modeling the School's behavioural code of conduct. Needless to say, you will not be the type to shy away from being busy and proactive throughout the day!
It is expected that a Graduate / Gap Year Assistant will perform Duties, such as playground and lunch queue supervision, and be willing to contribute to the School’s Co-curricular programme, including attendance on day trips and residential trips such as to museums, Bushcraft, Coastal and PGL, during term-time, if required. Trips may take place over a weekend.
Essential skills and qualifications
The successful candidate will:
- have a high level of literacy and numeracy skills
- enjoy being around children, be enthusiastic and friendly
- be able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- have high standards of professional and ethical conduct, particularly with regard to compliance with regulations and policies
- be able to work under pressure, multi-task and prioritise competing demands
- be a good team player, with a flexible and adaptable approach that supports the rest of the team
- have a “can do” attitude and be able to work using initiative and take ownership for all aspects of the role.
Founded in 1993, the Harrodian School is co-educational and set in 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Harrodian offers staff and students alike a friendly, welcoming and exceptional school environment where classes are small and standards and expectations are high. We place a strong emphasis on the ability to convey enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject to students across the ability range. A sense of fun, a readiness to respond to students’ individual needs and an open approach to teaching are qualities that we value highly.
Working days and hours
This is a full-time, term time plus staff training days position, i.e. 34.2 weeks per annum, plus 5 staff and Inset days (3 before the start of the Autumn Term, 1 prior to the October half-term and 1 prior to the start of the Spring Term). Working days and hours are: Mondays to Fridays 08:00-17:00 during term time inclusive of lunch and breaks.
Salary
This is a paid position and the salary will be compliant with the national minimum wage, paid on the basis of a total of 35.2 working weeks. The Employee’s term-time working pattern is on a reduced level when compared to an all-year-round employee and pay and benefits are therefore calculated on a pro rata basis, with entitlements being proportionate to the amount of time worked in the year. The post-holder's statutory entitlement is to 5.6 weeks’ holiday (including all public and bank holidays).
Benefits
Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including free lunches during term time (for full-time staff), free annual flu jabs, a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free access to some of the School’s sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, and a defined contribution pension scheme.
Please submit a fully-completed application form, to include a cover letter addressed to the Headteacher, and full CV, accounting for any gaps in employment
Closing date: Tuesday, 14th April 2026 at 9am. Early applications are encouraged and applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.
Interview dates: TBC. As part of the interview process, candidates will be required to assist a teacher in a lesson.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.
Safeguarding and employment checks: Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, checks with any applicable Overseas Criminal Records body, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations, online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks. Please read our Safer Recruiting Policy and Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy by selecting from our list of policies HERE.
All positions within the School are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Enhanced DBS check will give details of all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available from HR. References will be taken up and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.