Resident Graduate Assistant

We are seeking to appoint a Resident Graduate Assistant as an integral part of our joint boarding house team which looks after around 100 boarders in one large, co-educational house.

Ackworth School, a co-educational boarding and day school, was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It maintains its ethos and traditions and is still governed by the Society. The school is academically non-selective and provides an excellent range of facilities and extra-curricular opportunities, recently achieving "Excellent" in the FCI/EQI (February 2023). The Head is a member of both HMC and the Society of Heads.

As a non-selective school, we offer a broad education that supports all abilities. Our small class sizes mean that our teachers can dedicate more time to deliver a rich curriculum, allowing all pupils to make progress. Our pupils are one of Ackworth's USP's. Visitors to the school never fail to acknowledge how amazing they are and how positive the encounter is. This is something that makes a career at Ackworth such a rewarding one.

The boarding team comprises of the Head of Boarding, and a combination of Assistant House Parents and boarding tutors. This new role will work alongside the team to support the Head of Boarding in creating a nurturing environment.

We pride ourselves on offering an inclusive environment where boarders can mix freely as part of our whole resident population. The boarding house is a home from home where there is always someone to listen and give support. Ackworth is a dynamic and forward-thinking school. We strive to develop resilient individuals who not only think creatively, but also act ethically and with responsibility. We encourage our students to express themselves with confidence, to embody the Quaker value of speaking respectfully to others, but also in a way that is true to themselves and their beliefs. In order for this to be seen in the boarders, we expect boarding staff to be able to model these qualities and attributes.

When working you will form part of our varied weekend activity offering and everyone is encouraged to take part. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied in the evenings and weekends with a fitness suite and pool, not to mention theatre trips and sporting fixtures through the academic departments.

You will work a combination of daytime, evening and weekend shifts. Flexibility is key in this role as we have to respond to matters that arise readily to ensure consistent care for boarders. For the better performance of your role you will be provided with an apartment within the boarding house inclusive of rent and utilities and all meals during term time.

As a relatively small school, around 430 pupils in total, we enable pupils and staff to immediately become part of our community and we hope that, if this role is something that resonates with your skills and values, you will become a key part of the Ackworth School community.

The salary for the role is £16,923. The working hours are on average 40 per week and there are 34 working weeks. It is a fixed term contract from September 2025 until July 2026.

The position may be of particular interest to recent graduates looking to gain experience of working with young people before considering a teacher training route or someone who is looking to do the same after a career change. We welcome applications from those who have a particular interest in sport or the arts, however, graduates looking to teach core subjects will bring a valuable academic element in terms of pupil support.

In return we offer:

• Rent free full-time accommodation suitable for a single person (which can be viewed at interview)
• A generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff.
• All food and refreshments during the working day.
• Free on-site parking.
• Flexible pension and wellbeing benefits.
• 34 working weeks
• A supportive and friendly environment based on the Quaker ethos of the school.
• A beautiful working location within easy traveling distance of the main centers of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster, and York.

Please visit our website for an application form. PLEASE NOTE, APPLICATIONS CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED WHEN SUBMITTED ON A SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM IN ORDER TO MEET SAFER RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS

Closing Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Applicants should read carefully the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within “Working For Us”.

Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants should also be in sympathy with the School’s Quaker ethos.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Joanne Colley on 01977 233600.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 months

Pay: £16,923.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

Driving licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/09/2025