A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils –and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity – in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff.
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school.
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Prep School is part of a supportive, family community which fosters a strong sense of belonging Each pupil is treated as an individual and our child-centred approach to education ensures they develop a natural curiosity and thirst for learning. Pupils benefit immensely from being part of a school that is recognised as providing a high quality educational experience for its pupils; where they achieve their best because of their extremely positive and ‘ can do’ attitude to school
Highly skilled and passionate teachers inspire our pupils through a rich and varied curriculum and an array of extra-curricular activities
There are currently 324 pupils at Berkhamsted Prep School (aged 7-11)
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Prep School is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group. Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 3 to 18.
The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth)
Berkhamsted Prep pupils are provided with the opportunity of progressing to the Girls and Boys Senior Schools by sitting the Berkhamsted entrance exam a week prior to the external applicants.
Job Description
Please note, we have a full-time and part-time (0.4 FTE) position available.
Responsible to:
1.The Headteacher
2.The Deputy Head through the school’s management structure.
Main Responsibilities: Classroom and Teaching
To prepare and teach lessons, that stimulate and enthuse children to reach their full potential
- To prepare and teach lessons based on objectives set by the School.
- To prepare and teach lessons that are in line with the agreed syllabus and schemes of work of the school
- To complete planning documentation as required.
- To incorporate the use of ICT, where appropriate
To teach the pupils assigned to you according to their educational need.
To mark and assess pupils’ work in line with school and departmental policy and to record assessments in a clear and useful way.
To ensure that pupils present their work carefully in line with school policy
To decorate allocated areas/classrooms with posters and displays of children’s work These should be replaced regularly.
To be prepared to teach all subjects across the curriculum and/or a specialist subject, if required
Job Description
To maintain good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguard their health and safety both when they are on school premises and when they are engaged in school activities elsewhere.
To maintain a tidy, organised and stimulating classroom and a high standard of display.
To use non-contact time effectively for preparation/marking etc
To assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in line with agreed policy.
To correct any pupil whose standard of behaviour, dress or cooperation fall below required standards and advise a member of SMT.
To ensure the pastoral curriculum is delivered with sensitivity and understanding meeting the emotional and social needs of the pupils.
Policies and Procedures:
To be familiar with the School’s Staff Handbook and general policies for staff.
- To be familiar with the School’s Child Protection policy
- To be familiar with the School’s Health and Safety Procedure.
- To be familiar with the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy.
Extra-curricular Responsibilities, Duties, Cover:
It is the nature of the work at the School that tasks and responsibilities are varied Therefore all staff are expected to work in a flexible way when occasion arises, when tasks which are not specifically covered in their job descriptions have to be undertaken.
Job Description
These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work.
If an additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the member of staff’s job, it will be included in the job description after consultation with that member of staff.
To take a full and active part in the extracurricular life of the school, specifically:
- To run at least one after-school club per term, as directed by the Headteacher.
-To attend and assist at least four events during the school year that take place on a weekend. These might include:
i. Sporting events, such as sports days.
ii. Musical and cultural events, such as fairs and concerts.
iii Marketing events, such as Open Days
- There is an expectation that staff will attend School plays, productions, and other events that take place in the evenings, as required
School Trips and Visits:
To participate in (and lead) educational day visits.
There is an expectation that staff will participate in school residential trips, as required
To participate in parent-teacher and curriculum meetings, which may be after-school or in the evenings, as required by the Headteacher.
- Part-time staff may be required to attend these meetings even when the meeting falls on a day on which they do not teach in school
Job Description
To attend Prize Day, which may also fall on a weekend, as required by the Headteacher
- Part-time staff will be required to attend Prize Day.
To undertake additional duties
- To register the attendance of pupils.
- To participate fully in arranging assemblies and contributing to the spiritual and moral life of the school.
- To supervise children outside lesson time as agreed in the prepared rota, before/during/after school sessions as directed
To provide cover for absent colleagues, as required by the Headteacher.
Relationship with Colleagues and Meetings:
To co-operate with colleagues and the SMT and contribute professionally as a member of the team
To play an active part in department meetings, daily briefings and staff meetings.
To accept advice and instruction from the Subject Co-ordinator/s with regard to departmental policies and schemes of work, maintenance of records and care of resources etc.
To assist the Subject Co-ordinator/s in writing, revising and updating aspects of the School’s Development Plan
To keep the Subject Co-ordinator/s and Form Teachers informed of any pupils who may be experiencing difficulties with the subject They in turn may refer your concerns to the school’s Special Needs Coordinator.
Job Description
Maintaining Professional Standards:
To maintain high personal standards of appearance, behaviour and punctuality.
To take responsibility and be proactive in pursuing opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.
- To keep abreast of developments in the subjects taught and in pedagogy and to implement best practice in the classroom
- To maintain a level of ICT competence
i that enables effective administration and communication both with colleagues and with parents.
ii. that supports the needs of pupils in the classroom.
To attend Whole School INSET days, which may fall before, or after the end of term.
- Part-time staff may be required to attend these INSET days even when they fall on a day on which they do not teach in school
To take part in INSET and additional training as directed, including twilight sessions after school
To participate in the School appraisal process.
Absence from School:
It is expected that, whenever possible, the teacher will request prior approval from the Headteacher for any absence from school and to give notice in writing to appropriate people so that cover can be organised.
It is expected that the teacher will set work whenever absent, and the work given to the Deputy / Head in good time.
Job Description
Confidentiality and Loyalty
It is expected that all School employees will understand that our work is confidential and that personal details about children and families should not be discussed outside school.
It is expected that all School employees shall remain loyal to the aims and values of the School and conduct themselves accordingly at all times.
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing
Free classes and advisory services memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme
Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 12 April 2026
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group, along with documentary evidence of qualifications. A background screening service including a review of candidate’s online presence will be carried out as part of the recruitment process, by an independent third-party screening partner
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK
Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted com
Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline
