English Teacher / Head of English - Top London Boys' Prep

ENGLISH TEACHER / HEAD OF ENGLISH

FULL-TIME

Required for September 2025

A fine opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and inspirational teacher to teach English to engaged and motivated pupils to the levels required by a Central London prep school that prepares its pupils for ISEB Common Pre-Tests (taken in Year 6), Common Entrance (taken in Year 8), and Eton/St Paul's scholarships (taken in Year 8).

The successful candidate will join St Philip's at an exciting time as it takes its second class of Reception-aged pupils following its expansion into EYFS in September 2024.

Applications should be made by Monday 24th March 2025. Applicants must fill out the attached application form and submit a one-page letter of application.

AI-generated letters will be filtered.

Interviews will be held in week commencing Monday 24 March 2025.

Early applications are encouraged and the School reserves the right to appoint at any point between now and 24th March.

BACKGROUND OF THE SCHOOL

Independent prep school for boys aged 4 to 13, founded in 1934 and located on its foundation site in South Kensington. Expanded into EYFS provision in September 2024.

School info here.

Job specification here.

Application form here.

Key requisites

• Ability to teach English to the highest of standards to boys from Years 5 to 8.
• Ability to teach across a wide ability range.
• Ability to inspire boys in finding enjoyment in their learning, and to foster an appreciation for and love of books and writing.
• A good level of competency in the use of IT in the classroom and beyond.
• Willingness to contribute to the life of a busy, happy and ambitious London day school on a wide variety of fronts.
• Ability to be supportive of the School’s Catholic ethos.
• Ability to teach and enthusiasm for Games in a traditional boys’ prep school setting – football, rugby and cricket – is preferable.
• Ability to take their work seriously but retain a light and open disposition, and to contribute wholesomely to a positive and optimistic working environment.

Academic responsibilities

• To teach, as reasonably required, by the Head
• To develop and build upon appropriate schemes of work, available for inspection by the Deputy Head, which set out challenging and appropriately differentiated work for all pupils
• To maintain order, discipline and calm in class to ensure effective teaching and learning
• To integrate ICT into teaching and learning, available for inspection by the Deputy Head (Academic)
• To develop cross-curricular links with other subjects as well as PSHCE
• To organise and/or attend curricular-enriching trips
• To produce wall displays which change on a termly basis
• To mark pupils’ class work and prep, in line with School policy
• To prepare thoroughly for inspections

Administrative responsibilities

• To keep records of effort and achievement, in line with School policy
• To write reports as required, following stated protocols
• To liaise closely with colleagues and the SMT as required
• To attend staff meetings as required, adhering to the procedures and protocols published in the staff handbook
• To manage any departmental budget

Pastoral care

• To set and maintain clear expectations of behaviour in all classes and cover lessons
• To follow and support the School’s stated policies on rewards and sanctions, anti-bullying, safeguarding and child protection
• To treat all pupils with equanimity
• To report all pastoral concerns to the Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Health and safety

• To complete risk assessments as required
• To prepare for and respond to inspections of health and safety, internal and external

Flexibility

This job description reflects the main responsibilities of the post. However, the post holder should be willing to undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head Master.

Hours 

This job is full time. The School opens from Monday to Friday at 8.00am and closes at 5.00pm.

SAFEGUARDING

St Philip's School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy can be downloaded here .

All applicants who are offered employment in posts involving access to children (whether teaching or support) will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. This means that you are required to declare any convictions or cautions that you may have, even if they would otherwise be regarded as ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and any cautions or bind-overs and any prosecutions pending against you. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

St Philip's School

Independent prep school for boys aged 4 to 13.

6 Wetherby Place

London SW7 4NE

www.stpschool.co.uk 

0207 373 3944