Person Specification

We seek to appoint teachers who will have the following proven qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• The energy, dynamism, enthusiasm and stamina to contribute fully to the life of a busy co-educational independent day school
• A passionate and positive approach
• Calmness, kindness and consistency
• Willingness to contribute to the extensive range of activities provided for pupils and to support them in their co-curricular pursuits
• Excellent knowledge of the core curriculum subjects in Key Stage 2, and the ability and willingness to contribute intelligently to a challenging and stimulating curriculum
• Particular expertise in Maths teaching and trends in Maths education
• Capacity for industry and initiative
• The ability to be reflective in approach, being open to challenge and growth
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils' responses
• Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil
• Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health and emotional development of Highgate pupils
• General knowledge of Child Protection issues and good practice, particularly relating to professional obligations on safeguarding the welfare of each child and avoiding guarantees of confidentiality in any disclosure
• Sympathy with and knowledge of fundamental British values
• Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate's pastoral policies and sanctions systems, working in partnership with Highgate's designated staff responsible for pastoral care
• Ability to create effective rapport and a sound relationship with pupils, earning their respect and trust but maintaining proper professional boundaries by not deliberately courting popularity or friendship
• Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally between pupils, staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchanges
• Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspectives
• The ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition where due, utilising the School's reward system
• Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself

Essential Professional Criteria

Criteria

• A good honours degree
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to use ICT appropriately to support teaching, or a willingness to learn the skills
• The ability to establish good relations with colleagues and pupils
• Sympathy with and knowledge of fundamental British values
• Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children

How will these be tested or verified?

• Original degree certificate(s).
• Questions about subject specialisation (and course content for more recent graduates).
• Opportunities at interview to discuss techniques for teaching set topics.
• Two panel interviews
• A taught lesson
• Lesson planning and resources
• Opportunities to recount experience and expertise at interview
• Questions which referees will be asked as part of the confidential reference request
• Questions at interview to test this
• Questions at interview to test attitudes towards and knowledge of children's safeguarding and welfare
• Questions which referees will be asked as part of the confidential reference request

Desirable Professional Criteria

Criteria

• Experience of teaching able pupils, either as an employed teacher or during a teaching placement, and an understanding of effective assessment
• A teaching qualification (eg PGCE, GTP)
• Willingness and ability to teach in all year groups of Key Stage 2
• A willingness to be involved in the wider life of the school
• A knowledge of restorative approaches to behaviour management

How will these be tested or verified?

• A taught lesson with a lesson plan and resources
• Questions at interview
• A confidential reference request
• Verification of a candidate's employment history
• Original certificate
• Opportunities at interview to recount
• Opportunities at interview to recount experience of running or participating in activities or clubs to give ideas for these
• Opportunities at interview to recount

Benefits

• Location: Highgate Village, adjacent to Hampstead Heath, with quaint shops and easy connections across London.
• Pension: AVIVA workplace pension scheme offered with a generous 21% employer contribution.
• Fee remission: Available on application for qualifying employees.
• Personal development: Comprehensive induction support for new staff. Focus on continued professional development for all employees.
• Leisure facilities: Free access, at stipulated times, to our sports facilities, including a fitness suite and swimming pool (recently refurbished).
• Holidays: Generous holiday allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays) for full-time staff. Most holidays will be taken during school holiday periods.
• Lunch: A complimentary lunch.
• Help with sustainable travel: Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and a Season Ticket Loan scheme for public transport.
• Family-friendly policies: Highgate appreciates that employees sometimes have family commitments so we try to be as supportive as possible, for example with enhanced maternity pay (8 weeks' full pay, then 10 weeks' half pay) and paid dependent leave.

Working at Highgate

A culture of community, kindness and belonging

Highgate is a caring, open-minded community, where we promote kindness, empathy and friendship. Everyone who works and studies with us deserves to feel they are part of a welcoming environment that enables them to be themselves and to thrive as individuals.

Our community extends beyond the school, through partnerships, charity work and our commitment to equality, inclusion and sustainability. All members of our school community are encouraged to look outwards and play an active role.

In a recent ISI inspection (Dec 2021), it was noted that "Pupils show exceptional respect for, and appreciate diversity within the school and wider community, and their own and other cultures, demonstrating sensitivity and tolerance to those from different backgrounds and traditions."

Staff wellbeing

Highgate is committed to staff wellbeing, which we promote by encouraging a strong work-life balance; trying our best to support flexible working requests; providing a nutritious complimentary lunch in the dining hall;