Gap Assistant

Day Gap Year Assistant/ Residential Gap Year Assistant

Each year, the school offers places for a number of students in their gap year to work as part of the school’s community under the supervision of the teaching staff. Spending a Gap year in a school, having just completed one’s schooling, may not seem very adventurous but it has been, for many, a very valuable experience in itself and an excellent preparation for higher education.

The work is demanding, enjoyable and varied and we try to arrange the duties of each of the Gap Assistants according to the interests and skills of the appointed candidates. Strong interests or abilities in our Boarding Department (residential role), or DT would be particularly welcome, in addition to a willingness to provide general support of teaching staff in their work and in the care of children. We are also looking to appoint one Gap assistant to work in Byron House, the Junior department, so an interest in becoming a primary school teacher would be good. There are two general residential roles, one at Byron House and one at Senior House, with weekend and evening boarding duties.

Overview of Positions:

Day Gaps

DT Gap Assistant

The DT Gap Assistant gives time to support the Head of DT in the preparation of materials and resources and in the management and display of the children’s work. The ideal candidate must have some understanding of CAD CAM, experience in using hand and power tools and be able to be hands-on in a busy practical classroom where tools and materials need to be tidied and washed up on regular occasions.

Byron House Gap Assistant (Junior Gap)

The Byron House Gap Assistant works in the Junior school alongside classroom teachers to assist individual children or small groups of children with their work, preparing resources and helping with the day to day running of the classroom. They will also help support on the gathering of information for the school publication, The Eaglet. This would suit someone who would like a career in teaching young children.

Residential Gap Assistants

Senior House Residential Gap/ Junior Residential Gap

These roles combine day school and boarding duties. They undertake duties on a rota in the Boarding House as part of a boarding staff team which cares for the choristers and other members of the boarding community. Whilst one role is based in the Senior school, the other is based in the Junior school. Both roles provide cover for the receptionist at each site and support in lessons. An interest in sport is essential as both Senior and Junior Residential Gaps will support in Games and PE, receive lifeguarding training and support at sporting fixtures.

All Gap Assistants, both day and residential, are expected to assist with administrative work, which will include desk/reception duties as required. They may also be required to support children with individual needs in 1:1 interventions and support on trips, or in the science prep room.

All Gap Assistants contribute to the supervision of children in the playground during their morning or lunch time breaks and at the start of the day.

Applicants should consider which combination of the above roles might be best suited to them and should make this clear in their letter of application.

The school is in session for approximately 34 weeks per year. The Gap Assistant will be required to attend training in the days preceding the start of term and to assist in preparation for the term ahead. On limited occasions, with prior notice, a Gap Assistant may be required to work after the end of a term but they will be free for most of the School’s holidays.

Salary

The salary range for the non-residential role is £14,264-18,975 per annum, dependent on age, and is based on 40 hours worked per week for 37 weeks per year (34 weeks term-time plus 3 weeks non-term-time).

The salary range for the residential role for September starters is £12,691-17,990 per annum, dependent on age, based on working 45 hours per week, 37 weeks per year (34 weeks term time plus 3 weeks non-term time), minus the Accommodation Offset.

The salary range for the residential role for January starters is £12,551-17,850 per annum, dependent on age, and is based on 45 hours worked per week for 37 weeks per year (34 weeks term-time plus 3 weeks non-term-time), minus the Accommodation Offset.

Lunch from the School’s dining hall is provided free of charge.

Applications

A handwritten letter of application should be sent with a fully completed application form (see ‘The Application and Recruitment Process) to The HR Officer, St John's College School, 75 Grange Road, Cambridge CB3 9AA, or to recruitment@sjcs.co.uk.

St John’s College School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.