Graduate Assistant

Christ’s Hospital is looking for versatile graduate assistants to support our teaching staff, academic staff and students. The successful candidate will participate in all aspects of school life including taking part in some teaching, some broader curriculum support and pastoral care within a boarding house. While there is no specific subject specialism required, as the role is generalist in nature, we are keen to hear from applicants who are able, through qualification or experience, to support a variety of areas of our academic and/or broader curriculum offering. As the Independent Performing Arts School of the Year, a candidate with a technical interest in Drama would be appealing to us, however, as any busy boarding school, the passion and ability to contribute to any department would be attractive.

This is a temporary position, initially for a period of one academic year, starting at the end of August 2025, but could be extended for a further year by competitive process for the right candidate. Successful applicants previously have gone on to take on further teaching roles in the school.

JOB DESCRIPTION - SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

The successful candidate will assist with teaching in their subject specialism and/ or supporting students in a pastoral context. The candidate will also provide cover for teachers on a regular basis. Work will include liaising with other professional staff across the school. The successful candidate will work with all age groups, from Second Form (Year 7) to Grecians (Year 13). This may also include sports and other co-curricular activities.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Planning, teaching, supervising and coaching lessons and broader curricular activities Monday – Saturday
• If attached to a specific department, working as directed by the Head of Department
• Close liaison with the Middle Leaders to whose teams you are assigned e.g. House Parent, Head of Academic Department etc.
• Promoting professional standards of punctuality, discipline and teamwork with all the students, taking appropriate action where necessary.
• Relevant, administrative tasks for the duties to which assigned.
• Taking a full and engaging role as part of a Boarding House Tutor Team, which will include work on some Sundays during the term (for which a day off will apply elsewhere in the week)

Other similar and relevant duties may be undertaken as and when required. At the heart of the Graduate Assistant’s task is an enthusiasm for young people and their education. Participation in the School’s busy broader curricular programme is expected and there is scope for the successful candidate to be involved in a wide range of activities.

THE SCHOOL

King Edward VI founded Christ’s Hospital in 1552 to take the poor children from the streets of London and provide shelter and education for them. Throughout over 460 years of social and economic change, Christ’s Hospital has remained true to its founding principles. It now provides high quality boarding education for children who, but for Christ's Hospital, would not have the chances in life that their potential deserves.

When Christ’s Hospital was founded, boys and girls were based in what had been the Grey Friars’ Priory in Newgate Street, but the girls and some of the younger boys were relocated to Hertford in the 17th Century. The boys at the Newgate campus were moved to the Horsham site in 1902 and were joined here by the girls in 1985. Christ's Hospital retains solid links with the City of London and many City Livery Companies provide financial support to students at the school. The school retains many of its ancient traditions, including the everyday use of its unique Tudor uniform, known as ‘Housey’ and Band Parade three days a week.

Nearly 900 students are enrolled at Christ’s Hospital for the 2023-24 academic year with a 50/50 mix of boys and girls. All are boarders apart from a small number of staff children and day students. The main intake each year is at Year 7 (11 years of age) with a small number joining at Year 9 (13+) and 40 to 45 new students joining in the Sixth Form. A balanced student population is a feature of the school, and we admit children from a wide range of backgrounds. Our selection is based on academic ability, talent in some combination of music, art, drama and sport and the potential to benefit from a first-class boarding education. However, the over-riding principle of the admissions process is to help those with need, whether that need be financial, familial or educational.

The school offers a traditional academic education, and our expectations of students are high. We achieve excellent standards, with 90% of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, art colleges or music conservatoires.

Currently, over 60% of the cost of running the school is funded by Christ’s Hospital’s charitable Foundation, with the balance coming from grants from a variety of sources and from fees. Around 75% of students receive bursary support; 13% pay no fees at all and just over 20% pay full fees. The resultant mix of students is refreshingly down to earth and there is a deep desire to make the most of the opportunities on offer at Christ’s Hospital.

The school has a proud tradition of sporting achievement and runs an engaging and successful broader curricular programme which includes CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Music is outstanding and in addition to the Marching Band, there is a large and impressive Chapel Choir, plus various orchestras, classical ensembles and jazz groups. Drama flourishes with regular productions in the purpose built 600 seat theatre and the Art School produces work of unusual quality.

The lesson timetable is spread across six days, with four lessons on Saturday morning. Students have three Activity for Life sessions each week including Saturday. The schoolworks on a three-weekly cycle, with a leave weekend or longer break at the end of every three-week period. All staff are expected to contribute to the busy broader curricular programme throughout the year and day staff are required to help out in a boarding house for one evening each week. Graduates may also be expected to cover in other boarding houses to cover for staff absence and support in boarding houses during leaving weekends (max 2 per year) for groups of international students for which
additional pay will be given.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

The successful applicant will be a versatile, progressive and imaginative graduate. They will have an enthusiasm for working with young people and for facilitating our mission to offer a broad and excellent education to students from all backgrounds. In particular, this should enable our students to compete effectively with their peers for opportunities in further education.

All new staff appointments are subject to a clear medical check, receipt of satisfactory references including one from the current employer and a cleared Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check at Enhanced Level.

Equal Opportunities: Christ’s Hospital is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

SAFEGUARDING, PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

All staff are required to follow published statutory guidance and the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times and to share in the corporate commitment to promoting the safety and welfare of students.

In addition to a thorough understanding of safeguarding procedures, staff are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. We will require evidence of your:

• Eligibility to work in the UK from your start date
• Full understanding of safeguarding requirements and how teachers promote the welfare of children
• Commitment to implementing whole school/staff policies relating to the safeguarding of children

We must be able to obtain satisfactory:

• Enhanced DBS
• Validated references
• Fitness for work
• Overseas police checks (where applicable)

REMUNERATION

This is a one-year placement, commencing at the end of August 2025. The salary is c. £15,300 per annum, paid in monthly instalments over that period. The successful applicant will be provided with accommodation in either a one room flat or with their own room in a shared dwelling free of charge and including utilities. Laundry and, while on duty, meals in the Dining Hall or Common Room will be provided free of charge during term time only.