Graduate Teacher Assistant

Graduate Teachers at Canford are valued members of the academic and pastoral community. These fixed term posts provide an exceptional opportunity for graduates to gain paid experience in education while receiving structured training, mentoring and exposure to all aspects of school life. Graduate Teachers will support academic departments and will receive guidance and training in the art of teaching. The role provides exposure to the busy life of a boarding school, offering experience in both academic and pastoral aspects of school life.

They will initially observe and then team teach. They will work within a friendly, ambitious and well-resourced department committed to helping every pupil fulfil their potential. They will also be expected to play a major role in supporting the co-curricular and pastoral/boarding life of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Team teach/teach a reduced timetable to a high standard, following departmental schemes of work.
• Prepare engaging lesson materials, drawing on extensive existing resources.
• Develop strong teaching practice with the support of internal mentoring.
• Contribute to the creation and sharing of departmental resources.
• Set appropriate prep/homework and provide timely feedback in line with school policies.
• Complete reports, grades and assessments by published deadlines.
• Attend departmental meetings and training sessions.
• Support pupils through drop-in clinics, revision sessions or extension activities.

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Act as a tutor within a boarding house, supporting pupils’ wellbeing and academic progress.
• Undertake one evening duty per week (and occasional weekend commitments).
• Contribute to the delivery of the school’s PSHE programme Co Curricular Contribution.
• Assist and support the co-curricular programme (sport, drama, music, societies, outdoor education, academic enrichment etc.).
• Support trips, events and activities that enrich pupils’ wider experience Compliance & Professional Conduct.
• Uphold the school’s safeguarding, data protection and information security policies.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, punctuality and reliability.
• Engage fully in training, appraisal and professional development opportunities.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• A good honours degree in English, Mathematics, a Humanities subject, or a closely related discipline.
• Enthusiasm for working with young people and contributing to a boarding school community.
• A positive, flexible and good-humoured approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative and embrace new challenges.

Desirable

• Experience working with young people in any capacity.
• Interest or ability in sport, music, drama or other co-curricular areas.
• A desire to explore teaching as a long-term career.

No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and therefore the successful person must be flexible and willing to take on other reasonable responsibilities and tasks in order to fulfil the role.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.