Prep Graduate Assistants
Full time, term time (fixed term)
September 2025 - July 2026
Executive Summary
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School is seeking two enthusiastic graduates to help support the smooth running of the Prep School.
The roles available are designed to give recent graduates an opportunity to gain experience of working in a Prep School environment, perhaps prior to embarking on a PGCE or taking up a full teaching position.
We are seeking confident, resilient, well-round personalities with good flexibility to be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
He/she should have a passion for working with children from three to 11 years old, a genuine commitment to children’s needs and a willingness to take a full and active part in the life of the School.
Accommodation is available for the successful candidates. The individual will be responsible for any tax associated with school provided accommodation.
Role Description
This role is a full-time fixed term position, term time only, from September 2025 until July 2026.
The hours are flexible, between 7.30 am – 6.00 pm up to 55 hours per week which may include some weekend work.
Key responsibilities
- be a member of the staff team and to make a positive contribution to all areas concerning the welfare of the pupils
- support teachers in the delivery of the curriculum
- lead small group activities under the direction of the teacher
- support teachers in assessing and monitoring pupils’ progress
- support teachers in the Prep School by providing information relating to pupils’ attainment and progress
- contribute to the wider co-curricular life of the School, through involvement with co-curricular clubs and activities
- assist with the School’s breakfast club and pre-school morning care activities
- be involved in the after-school care programme by leading activities and undertake any relevant duties
- undertake supervisory duties during the school day, such as taking children between activities and help with changing
- actively participate in the promotion of the School eg on open days
- be aware of and ensure compliance with all Health and Safety regulations
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- educated to degree level
Desirable
- about to embark or study towards a PGCE or ready to take up a full-time teaching position
Personal attributes/skills
- excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff and pupils
- approachable at all times and empathetic to the needs of others
- good time management and organisational skills
- an effective team member with the ability to use own initiative when appropriate
- able to work flexibly as workloads require and take ownership of individual tasks
- good organisational skills
- excellent attention to detail and actively questions and clarifies information
- knows when to ask for support and advice from others
- resilient
- a good role model and demonstrates professionalism at all times
- sense of humour and enthusiasm, with a mature attitude
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Full time, term time, fixed term from September 2025 - July 2026
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Salary
Circa £23.6k
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on successful candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications . References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Please apply immediately
Interviews upon receipt of applications
Please note that applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie Disclosure and Barring Service, Right to Work in the UK, references, medical questionnaire. Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
