Form Teacher, Infants Department

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational day school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities. The support and challenges encountered by pupils at PGS share a purpose: that each individual be both happy and successful. The school seeks to provide excellence in all areas of school life, encouraging pupils to think not only about where they will be at 18 but where they aspire to be at 25.

We are very much a family school and are pleased to offer an education across the age range. Our Pre-School for 2½ to 4 year olds, the Junior School for children aged 4 to 11 and a Senior School for students aged 11 to 18, are all dedicated to helping girls and boys thrive and to reach their potential.  

The school seeks to appoint a well-qualified teacher to join our Infants Department as a full-time Form Teacher from September 2020. The successful candidate will deliver inspirational teaching and learning and exceptional pastoral care within a caring, supportive and inclusive environment. In addition, all teachers lead a curriculum area or aspect of the Junior School provision and therefore play an active and important role in school development and improvement. There is an expectation that teachers will also be able to teach other Forms and year groups throughout their area of the school as required by the Head of Junior School. 

The role of Form Teacher (Infants) reports to the Head of Infants and each class is supported by a dedicated Teaching Assistant. PGS offers excellent facilities and small class sizes so that teachers are able to support pupils as effectively as possible. A supportive structure and professional development programme enables teachers to undertake regular and relevant CPD,  enhancing their own skills and knowledge and deepening their understanding of how children learn. 

The Portsmouth Grammar School prides itself on being a caring employer and all staff are encouraged to discuss any aspects of their terms and conditions of employment initially with their line manager and, as necessary, with the Bursar who signs all contracts of employment on behalf of the Governing Body.

The school is a strong supporter of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its INSET programme provides staff with many personal development opportunities. 

Key financial benefits of employment at PGS include a generous salary structure supplemented by payment of an additional PGS Allowance.  There are many opportunities to take on additional paid responsibilities to assist in the management and operation of the school.  The school participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Governors annually allow up to three staff to take a half term sabbatical on full-pay in the summer term, with most expenses of the sabbatical covered.  The aim of sabbaticals is to develop further professional expertise and also to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on other aspects of their teaching.  Sabbaticals are normally based in the UK but may also be overseas. 

The school also has a generous fee concession for the children of teaching staff.  The school supports the Cycle to Work scheme and all members of staff have free use of the school’s sports facilities which include a well-equipped Fitness Centre. A two course lunch is provided to all staff during term.

For candidates who would relocate to take up this position, the school may be able to offer subsidised rental accommodation in Old Portsmouth on a temporary basis. Please state in your application if this is of interest to you. 

The school is always looking for innovative ways to improve the working conditions and remuneration of its employees and welcomes suggestions from all staff.

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check. 

The closing date is noon, Thursday 5th March  2020 and early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be held on Thursday 12th March 2020 and shortlisted candidates are asked to allow the whole day for the interview process.