Library Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth.  

The School Library makes a central contribution to the vibrancy and success of the academic community at PGS, serving the needs of education and scholarship amongst pupils and staff, and helping to create a culture which promotes research and library usage for all. 

The Library Assistant is responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day operation of the Library, which is widely used by the whole school community.

The Library has four diverse and well-resourced learning spaces including the Memorial Library, New Library and Project Room in the former Cambridge Barracks and the new Sixth Form Centre Library in the Sixth Form Centre which incorporates bespoke ICT facilities to complement our focus on independent learning supported by tablet technology.

The Library is staffed by the Head Librarian, a part-time Librarian, two part-time Library Assistants and an Archivist.

We are seeking to appoint a part-time Library Assistant on a fixed term contract to provide maternity cover within the Library from after the February 2022 half term break.

This is an ideal role for a candidate wishing to gain experience of working within a library in a school environment. Although not essential, previous library experience is preferred. This opportunity may also suit a newly qualified entrant to Librarianship. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about working with young people, keen to share their knowledge and love of reading and literature and able to help pupils develop effective study skills and research techniques. This is very much a ‘front of house’ role where good people skills are essential.

There will also be opportunities to work collaboratively with the Nursery and Junior School libraries and assist with events to welcome younger pupils into the Senior School libraries.

This is a part-time, term time only position, to include attendance at all Professional Development Days (INSET) in the school calendar. During school term times, including Professional Development Days, your hours of work will be 32.5 hours each week, to be worked Monday – Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm each day, with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch. Flexibility to work additional hours at busy times or to attend training would be appreciated.

This is a maternity cover post which will be offered for an anticipated 12 month term, with the possibility that term may be varied depending on the return date of the employee on maternity leave. 

The start date is expected to be w/c 21st February 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.