Pre-Prep Teaching Assistant (maternity cover) ref VNOPS24

We are an independent pre-preparatory and nursery school for 80 girls and boys aged 3-7 years, previously known as The New School.  In 2021, we became part of the Exeter School family.

Exeter Pre-Prep School is housed in a former Victorian chapel on a private, wide, tree-lined avenue within an acre of grounds. Just three miles from central Exeter in the village of Exminster, it provides an oasis of calm from the bustle of city life.

We are seeking a term time teaching assistant to join our small, friendly professional team for approximately 11 months to cover maternity leave. The successful applicant will act as a Year 1 classroom assistant, supporting children aged 5-6 years old both inside and outside the classroom with their learning and pastoral care.

Applicants must have experience of working in Early Years or/and Key Stage 1 in a primary school or nursery setting, and hold a full and relevant qualification in Childcare and/or Early Years Education at a minimum of Level 3. They will have the ability to assist children on an individual basis, in small group and whole class work.

This role is part of our operations and professional services team. This is a term time contract working 14 hours per week over Mondays and Tuesdays, 8.30am-3.30pm, for 36 weeks per year. This is an onsite role. We offer a competitive salary and generous benefits, including free school lunch during term time and free on-site parking. To find out more about working at Exeter School, please visit our webpage, careers with character .

The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 1 July 2026 with interviews scheduled for Monday 6 July. Applications must include a completed Exeter School application form. For safeguarding purposes, a CV alone is not sufficient.

We reserve the right to close before the advertisement expires, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Exeter School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any appropriately qualified person. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Employment is subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references provided specifically for this post and addressed to the school, and to satisfactory DBS clearance. 

This post falls into the category of Regulated Activity. Exeter School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform you that, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.