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Pre-Prep KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover)
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Pre-Prep KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Job Type: Full time, fixed term
Salary: £39,823-£67,155
Department: Pre-Prep
Reporting to: Principal, Pre-Prep School
Location: Highgate, North London
Start: 22 February 2027
Closing Date: 2 November 2026 at 8:00 am
Job Overview
We are seeking an inspirational and highly motivated class teacher to join our flourishing Pre-Prep School from February 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an excellent Key Stage 1 teacher to work within a vibrant and ambitious school community, where curiosity, creativity and a love of learning is at the heart of everything we do.
Applicants should have the flexibility to adapt quickly to a new environment and a creative curriculum, as well as excellent communication and teamwork skills. An enthusiasm for thoughtful curriculum development and innovation characterises teaching at Highgate. At the Pre-Prep children follow a project-based approach and teachers plan units and activities which are purposeful, motivating and allow the children to have agency within their learning.
We welcome applicants from both the independent and state sectors - candidates do not need to have had prior experience of teaching in the independent sector but should have an interest in teaching in an academically selective school setting.
The Pre-Preparatory School
Highgate Pre-Preparatory School is an academically selective, coeducational school with approximately 180 pupils in 9 classes from Reception to Year 2. The Pre-Preparatory School is housed in its own building in Bishopswood Road, adjacent to the school's playing fields.
Learning at Highgate
Visitors invariably remark on our high standards of work and behaviour, and warm and friendly atmosphere. Highgate's modern teaching and outlook ignites our pupils' learning within a purposeful and exciting curriculum. Our pupils are happy and confident children who are encouraged to take risks.
In Reception, our curriculum is based on the seven areas of learning in the EYFS. In Year 1, our curriculum is designed to extend pupils academically whilst ensuring breadth and balance in the activities on offer. In Year 2, pupils consolidate all that has been taught before, as well as being introduced to new and challenging experiences to foster independent learning. Recorder lessons are added to the Year 2 curriculum and during the summer term, Year 2 pupils take part in a week of special visits and outings. Throughout their time in our Pre-Prep, pupils are taught sports and exercise, Forest School, and music and drama by specialist teachers. Swimming is introduced from Year 1.
Working at Highgate
Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background. We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.
Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities.
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At Highgate, we constantly think of creative ways to make our whole learning experience inspiring. If we develop this pattern early on, we ignite a spark for the love of learning which can be taken through life.
Person Specification
Highgate seeks 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.
- Well-grounded and continuing interest in education, particularly in EYFS and KS1
- Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work and pastoral care
- Good judgement about people and situations, and discretion
- 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 and warmth towards pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate
- 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's 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
- Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate's pastoral policies
- Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally with staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchange
- Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspective
- The ability to de-fuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition
- Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself
Essential Professional criteria
| Criteria | How will these be tested or verified? |
|---|---|
| A good honours degree or equivalent and a teaching qualification | Original degree certificate(s)<br>Questions about subject specialisation (and course content for more recent graduates) |
| The ability to teach at EYFS Stage and Key Stage 1 | Questions at interview relating to the curriculum and strategies for teaching EYFS and KS1 |
| Experience of and enthusiasm for teaching | A 30-minute lesson to be taught to either an EYFS or Key Stage 1 class<br>Opportunity to comment on and grade pupils' written work |
| Excellent communication skills | Panel interview<br>Lesson (as above) |
| The ability to establish good relations with colleagues and pupils | Opportunities at interview to recount experiences where these skills have been demonstrated |
| Knowledge of, and sympathy with, traditional British values | Questions at interview |
| Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children | Questions at interview to test attitudes towards and knowledge of children's safeguarding and welfare |
Desirable professional criteria
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| Criteria | How will these be tested or verified? |
|---|---|
| An EYFS qualification or degree covering EYFS is desirable. Knowledge of, and experience of teaching at Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1 | Opportunities at interview to recount experience of teaching and of successful strategies used in teaching these age groups |
| A good understanding of formative and summative assessment, including AfL | Questions at interview relating to assessment and record keeping |
| A willingness to be involved in the wider life of the Pre-Prep School (if relevant) | Opportunities at interview to recount experience of running or participating in activities or to give ideas for these |
Benefits
- Support: Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.
- Pension: The School pays the employer's contribution to the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
- Professional development: Comprehensive induction. Focus on continued learning and development for all employees.
- Holidays: Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector.
- Location: Highgate Village, adjacent to Hampstead Heath, with quaint shops and easy connections across London.
- Facilities: Free access, at stipulated times, to our sports facilities, including a fitness suite and new swimming pool. Staff can borrow from 1,700 books held in the Sir Martin Gilbert Library.
- Lunch: Free tea and coffee. A complimentary lunch including hot meals, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and dessert.
- Sustainable travel: Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and a Season Ticket Loan scheme for public transport.
- Flexible working: Flexibility for parents, enhanced maternity pay and paid dependant 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; and offering access to sporting facilities including our recently renovated swimming pool.
The Staff Wellbeing Committee, with representatives across the School, meets regularly to drive forward initiatives, and a selection of staff have been trained as Mental-Health First Aiders.
We encourage an open culture throughout our school, with regular staff surveys, action committees and opportunities to feedback. We strive for continual learning and improvement, and staff training and development is paramount.
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