Assistant Head (Director of Studies)

As part of Nottingham High School, we are a selective school with high academic, cultural and sporting standards, which aims to develop each individual pupil’s potential to the full. 

Early Years and Key Stage 1 enjoy their own building on its own site across the road from the Nottingham High School campus. The building was converted for use in 2007and was extended in 2009 to provide additional facilities. Infant pupils use some of the sporting facilities of the main school campus, including the swimming pool. The site boasts a large developed garden and play area as well as an outdoor education section. EYFS enjoy direct access to the outdoors. The slightly separated site provides almost entirely self-contained, secure accommodation. 

Key Stage 2 occupies the western part of the Nottingham High School site in purpose built accommodation which enjoyed an extensive extension in 2017. The Junior School pupils also use facilities on the main school campus.

The Infant and Junior school staff consists of around 30 teachers supported by Senior School teaching colleagues, teaching assistants and support staff. 

We aim to provide a caring, stimulating and friendly environment where a challenging academic and holistic curriculum is combined with a varied range of opportunities to inspire pupils in their learning and development. We encourage each child’s academic growth and promote their pastoral well-being alongside their talents and range of interests. From the youngest age, pupils are encouraged to take appropriate ownership for their own learning and progress.

The main entry point is at the age of four for Reception, although pupils can join in other years if there are spaces available. Entry at all levels is by an ability assessment process, which is held in the Spring Term. 

The Infant and Junior School follows many parts of the National Curriculum but, as an academic independent school, there is freedom to broaden the learning for all pupils. There is particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy at all Key Stages. Staff aim to embed key skills through a creative teaching style including hands-on learning, practical application and out-door lessons.   Pupils enjoy a wide range of subjects including swimming, PE and Games, ICT, computing, music and MFL with some subjects being taught by specialist teachers. 

The learning process is greatly enhanced by well-organised purposeful and constructive trips or through workshops or visiting speakers within school. Every effort is made to encourage links between the world of the classroom and the world outside. Residential activities in Key Stage 2 support academic study as well as personal and social development. 

There is an extensive range of co-curricular activities for infants and juniors and an expectation for each member of staff to run at least one co-curricular activity. Additionally, there are a wide range of sports clubs and music groups and ensembles in which pupils are encouraged to participate. 

Our staff are our strongest and most important asset and we want to ensure they are valued, supported and rewarded properly for their work at our school.  Our approach to staff well-being and benefits is to ensure accessibility and equity for all staff in our range of benefits and facilities and to foster a warm, collaborative and friendly working environment. (link to our new benefits leaflet)

In 2020 the School was recognised again as a centre for best practice by the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (IStip) following their quality assurance visit.  This recognises the high quality of NQT provision at Nottingham High School.