A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils –and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity – in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff.
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school.
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Prep School is part of a supportive, family community which fosters a strong sense of belonging Each pupil is treated as an individual and our child-centred approach to education ensures they develop a natural curiosity and thirst for learning. Pupils benefit immensely from being part of a school that is recognised as providing a high quality educational experience for its pupils; where they achieve their best because of their extremely positive and ‘ can do’ attitude to school
Highly skilled and passionate teachers inspire our pupils through a rich and varied curriculum and an array of extra-curricular activities
There are currently 324 pupils at Berkhamsted Prep School (aged 7-11)
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Prep School is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group. Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 3 to 18.
The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth)
Berkhamsted Prep pupils are provided with the opportunity of progressing to the Girls and Boys Senior Schools by sitting the Berkhamsted entrance exam a week prior to the external applicants.
Job Description
Job Title: Subject and Class Teachers
Responsible to:
1.The Headteacher
2.The Deputy Head through the school’s management structure.
Main Responsibilities
Classroom and Teaching
1. To prepare and teach lessons, that stimulate and enthuse children to reach their full potential.
To prepare and teach lessons based on objectives set by the School
To prepare and teach lessons that are in line with the agreed syllabus and schemes of work of the school.
To complete planning documentation as required
To incorporate the use of ICT, where appropriate.
2. To teach the pupils assigned to you according to their educational need.
3 To mark and assess pupils’ work in line with school and departmental policy and to record assessments in a clear and useful way.
4 To ensure that pupils present their work carefully in line with school policy
5 To decorate allocated areas/classrooms with posters and displays of children’s work These should be replaced regularly.
6 To be prepared to teach all subjects across the curriculum and/or a specialist subject, if required
Job Description
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7 To maintain good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguard their health and safety both when they are on school premises and when they are engaged in school activities elsewhere.
8 To maintain a tidy, organised and stimulating classroom and a high standard of display
9. To use non-contact time effectively for preparation/marking etc.
10. To assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in line with agreed policy
11. To correct any pupil whose standard of behaviour, dress or cooperation fall below required standards and advise a member of SMT
12. To ensure the pastoral curriculum is delivered with sensitivity and understanding meeting the emotional and social needs of the pupils
Policies and Procedures
13. To be familiar with the School’s Staff Handbook and general policies for staff.
To be familiar with the school’s Child Protection policy
To be familiar with the School’s Health and Safety Procedure
To be familiar with the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy.
Extra-curricular Responsibilities, Duties, Cover
It is the nature of the work at the School that tasks and responsibilities are varied. Therefore all staff are expected to work in a flexible way when occasion arises, when tasks which are not specifically covered in their job descriptions have to be undertaken.
Job Description
These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work.
If an additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the member of staff’s job, it will be included in the job description after consultation with that member of staff
14. To take a full and active part in the extracurricular life of the school, specifically:
To run at least one after-school club per term, as directed by the Headteacher
To attend and assist at least four events during the school year that take place on a weekend. These might include
- Sporting events, such as sports days.
- Musical and cultural events, such as fairs and concerts.
- Marketing events, such as Open Days
There is an expectation that staff will attend School plays, productions, and other events that take place in the evenings, as required.
15. School Trips and Visits
To participate in (and lead) educational day visits
There is an expectation that staff will participate in school residential trips, as required.
16 To participate in parent-teacher and curriculum meetings, which may be after-school or in the evenings, as required by the Headteacher.
Part-time staff may be required to attend these meetings even when the meeting falls on a day on which they do not teach in school.
17 To attend Speech Day, which may also fall on a weekend, as required by the Headteacher
Part-time staff will be required to attend Speech Day.
Job Description
18 To undertake additional duties
To register the attendance of pupils.
To participate fully in arranging assemblies and contributing to the spiritual and moral life of the school
To supervise children outside lesson time as agreed in the prepared rota, before/during/after school sessions as directed.
19. To provide cover for absent colleagues, as required by the Headteacher.
Relationship with Colleagues and Meetings
20. To co-operate with colleagues and the SMT and contribute professionally as a member of the team
21.To play an active part in department meetings, daily briefings and staff meetings.
22 To accept advice and instruction from the Subject Lead(s) with regard to departmental policies and schemes of work, maintenance of records and care of resources etc.
23. To assist the Subject Lead(s) in writing, revising and updating aspects of the School’s Development Plan.
24. To keep the Subject Lead(s) and Form Teachers informed of any pupils who may be experiencing difficulties with the subject. They in turn may refer your concerns to the school’s Special Needs Coordinator.
Maintaining Professional Standards
25. To maintain high personal standards of appearance, behaviour and punctuality.
Job Description
26. To take responsibility and be proactive in pursuing opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.
To keep abreast of developments in the subjects taught and in pedagogy and to implement best practice in the classroom
To maintain a level of ICT competence - that enables effective administration and communication both with colleagues and with parents. - that supports the needs of pupils in the classroom
27 To attend Whole School INSET days, which may fall before, or after the end of term
Part-time staff may be required to attend these INSET days even when they fall on a day on which they do not teach in school.
28. To take part in INSET and additional training as directed, including twilight sessions after school. To participate in the School appraisal process.
Absence from School
29 It is expected that, whenever possible, the teacher will request prior approval from the Headteacher for any absence from school and to give notice in writing to appropriate people so that cover can be organised.
30. It is expected that the teacher will set work whenever absent and the work given to the Deputy / Head in good time.
Confidentiality and Loyalty
31 It is expected that all School employees will understand that our work is confidential and that personal details about children and families should not be discussed outside school.
Job Description
32 It is expected that all School employees shall remain loyal to the aims and values of the School and conduct themselves accordingly at all times.
Part II
Teachers with Subject Responsibility
1. The Subject Leader should endeavour to maintain and develop the character of the school in accordance with the directions given by the Governors and, subject thereto, the direction given by the Principal and Headteacher
2. This job description describes, within the terms and conditions of employment, the range of professional duties which are attached to the post It is not a comprehensive definition of those duties The terms and conditions of employment are referred to in the statement of particulars provided in the contract of employment
3. Subject Leaders provide professional leadership and management for a curriculum area to secure high quality teaching, effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all pupils. The post involves the teaching of pupils in the age range 7-11 years and has additional responsibilities as follows:
Knowledge and Understanding
Lead the development of the subject within Key Stage 2, linking, where necessary with colleagues at the Pre-Prep, the Senior Schools and other members of the Berkhamsted Schools’ Group so that a shared understanding of expected knowledge and experiences is agreed.
Have knowledge and understanding of:
- The school’s aims, priorities, targets and strategic plans;
Job Description
- The relationship of the subject to the curriculum as a whole;
- Any statutory curriculum requirements and the requirement for assessment, recording of pupils’ attainment and progress;
- The characteristics of high quality teaching, learning and achievement for all pupils;
The implication of the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs for teaching and learning To ensure appropriate monitoring of internal and, where relevant, external assessments and to implement tracking systems to ensure individual and group planning is relevant and effective and the needs of individual children are met
Planning and Setting Expectations
Lead planning and organisation in the subject to ensure all pupils are challenged by appropriate programmes of study.
Set expectations and targets for staff and pupils in relation to standards of pupil achievement and the quality of teaching.
Work with the Learning Support Lead and any other staff with Special Educational Needs expertise, to ensure that plans are used to set subject specific targets and match work well to pupils’ needs
Establish, with the involvement of relevant staff, short, medium and long-term plans for the development and resourcing of the subject which contribute to whole school aims, policies and practices
Teaching and Managing Pupil Learning
Ensure:
Curriculum coverage, continuing and progression in the subject for all pupils, including those of high ability and those with special educational or linguistic needs;
Teachers are clear about the teaching of objectives in lessons, understand the sequence of teaching and learning in the subject, and communicate such information to pupils;
Job Description
Guidance is provided on the choice of appropriate teaching and learning methods to meet the needs of the subject and of different pupils;
Effective development of pupils’ literacy, numeracy and information technology skills through the subject;
Teachers of the subject are aware of its contribution to pupils’ understanding of the duties, opportunities, responsibilities and rights of citizens;
Effective development of pupils’ individual and collaborative study skills necessary for them to become increasingly independent when out of school
Assessment and Evaluation
Where available, analyse and interpret relevant national, local and school data, research and inspection evidence, to inform policies, practices, expectations, targets and teaching methods
Establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on pupil achievement and for using this information to recognise achievement and to assist pupils in setting targets for further improvement.
Ensure that information about pupils’ achievements in previous classes and schools is used effectively to secure good progress in the subject
Monitor the progress made in achieving subject plans and targets, evaluate the effects on teaching and learning, and use this analysis to guide further improvement.
Evaluate the teaching of the subject in the school, use this analysis to identify effective practice and areas for improvement and take action to improve further the quality of teaching.
Pupil Achievement
Establish clear targets for pupils’ achievement, and evaluate progress and achievement by all pupils, including those with special educational and linguistic needs
Use data effectively to identify pupils who are underachieving and, where necessary, create and implement effective plans of action to support those pupils.
Job Description
Relations with Parents and Wider Community
Establish a partnership with parents to involve them in their child’s learning of the subject, as well as providing information about curriculum, attainment, progress and targets.
Develop effective links with the local community, including business and industry, in order to extend the subject, enhance teaching and develop the pupils’ wider understanding.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with parents, external agencies and the wider community, including business and industry
Managing Own Performance and Development
Prioritise and manage own time effectively, particularly in relation to balancing demands made by teaching, subject management and involvement in school development.
Achieve challenging professional goals
Take responsibility for their own professional development.
Managing and Developing Staff and Other Adults
To support the professional development of colleagues throughout the school regarding specific subject needs, by advising on classroom practice & organisation and by recommending appropriate INSET.
Help staff to achieve constructive working relationships with pupils.
Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships among staff, including through team working and mutual support; developing responsibilities and delegating tasks, appropriate evaluating practice; and developing an acceptance of accountability.
Appraise staff as required by the school policy and use the process to develop the personal and professional effectiveness of the teacher.
Lead professional development through example and support, and coordinate the provision of high quality professional development by methods such as coaching, drawing on other sources of expertise as necessary, for example subject associations.
Job Description
Ensure that trainee and newly qualified teachers are appropriately trained, monitored, supported and assessed in relation to standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status or the ISTIP standards for induction.
Managing Resources
To manage the subject budget and ensure effective resourcing of the department.
Establish staff and resource needs and advise the Headteacher and senior managers of likely priorities for expenditure, and allocate available resources with maximum efficiency to meet the objectives of the school and subject plans and achieve value for money
Deploy, or advise the Headteacher on the deployment of staff involved in the subject to ensure that best use of subject, technical and other expertise.
Ensure the effective and efficient management and organisation of learning resources, including information and communications technology.
Maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop or incorporate new resources from a wide range of sources inside and outside the school
Use accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of the subject
Ensure that there is a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed.
Strategic Leadership
Create a climate, which enables other staff to develop and maintain positive attitudes towards the subject and confidence in teaching it.
Develop and implement policies and practices for the subject which reflect the school’s commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning.
Ensure that the Headteacher and senior managers are well informed about subject policies, plans and priorities, the success in meeting objectives and targets, and subject related professional development plans.
Job Description
Establish a clear, shared understanding of the importance and role of the subject in contributing to pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development, and in preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
To contribute to the Prep School Development Plan by setting and evaluating annual targets for the department.
To monitor and maintain the schemes of work and conduct a full Subject Review in conjunction with the timings set out in the Prep School’s Monitoring & Evaluation Policy
To keep abreast of the subject and strategies for teaching it, ensuring that relevant information is disseminated to the subject staff
To attend Subject Lead meetings.
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing
Free classes and advisory services memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme
Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630
Application and Next Steps
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The closing date for applications is 28 September 2025
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted com
Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline
