RGS Senior
0.6FTE - full time
Extensive individual support enables pupils to...develop a breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship. This is a significant strength of the school.
ISI Inspection - 2025
Leaders maintain a school culture that actively promotes inclusion and mutual respect highly successfully. This is a significant strength of the school.
ISI Inspection - 2025
Co-education: phased entry from 2027
See our brochure for further details
Thank you for your interest in a position at the Royal Grammar School Guildford.
The RGS boasts a diverse, vibrant community of individuals in both teaching and support roles and we take pride in the success of our School.
The latest ISI inspection report identified two significant strengths within our School; "mutual respect" and "scholarship". We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Not only does it recognise the consistently high efforts by staff across the School, but the award of not just one, but two significant strengths by the ISI is extremely rare.
The academic standards in the School are excellent and are enriched by an extensive extra-curricular programme in which all academic staff are expected to participate; sports and the arts are important elements in School life.
We announced in December last year the exciting news that, beginning with Year 12 in 2027, RGS will become co-educational, offering girls the same opportunities that our boys enjoy. Transition will be phased and will progress organically through the year groups. You can read more in our brochure (see opposite).
The benefits of working at the RGS go beyond those listed in the job description. If you accept an offer of employment, you would be joining a staff body that collaborates professionally and socially across all departments.
The RGS is an exciting place in which to be a member of staff; I look forward to receiving an application from you.
Dr Jon Cox, Headmaster
The school is an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils succeed academically and make the most of the extensive range of opportunities
Thank you for taking the time to read more about the English department at the Royal Grammar School. We are at team of seven teachers with a wide range of interests and experience, and we aim to provide a diverse and engaging English education for our students.
Job Title: Teacher of Mathematics
All students study English in the Lower School (First to Third Form (Years 7 to 9)) and have four lessons per week. Our Lower School course is centred around enquiry questions, connecting the English curriculum to the wider world and teaching Language and Literature side by side. The First Form (Year 7) consider the question: âAre We Equal?â a unit in which they reflect upon social inequality in Victorian England through Dickensâ A Christmas Carol, connecting this to modern charity campaigns such as Marcus Rashfordâs campaign for free school meals. In a Third Form (Year 9) unit entitled âDoes Art Serve a Purpose?â students study The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and consider the aesthetic movements of the time as well as looking at the role of art throughout history in the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights. We believe that by connecting the English curriculum to real life issues and events, we serve to make English a more relevant and popular subject than ever before. We encourage creativity as well as the literary analysis, and students throughout the School are encouraged to produce their own poems, short stories and plays.
Responsible to: Head of Department
Responsible for: No direct reports
We encourage depth and breadth in all years First Form to Upper Sixth: at any year students will study a minimum of one female, one non-white and one pre1900 writer. We have therefore carefully chosen our examination boards in favour of those offering the most diverse texts. At GCSE students sit IGCSE Edexcel English Language B and IGCSE Edexcel English Literature. At A Level students follow the Edexcel English Literature course, with opportunities to attend theatre productions in the West End and in-person lectures where possible through our English society. We run a dedicated Oxbridge programme for pupils who wish to apply and we have had many successful applicants. we teach IGCSE Edexcel English Language B and IGCSE Edexcel English Literature.
We are very proud of our co-curricular provision and the department is very much involved in the wider life of the School. Our student-led, student-read publication The 1509 is an online newspaper written by and for students and is overseen by the English department. Through the English Society we promote a love of literature via an in-house lecture series in which both students and staff deliver lectures on topics that interest them. We have two debate teams (Lower and Upper School) and students take part in competitions both within School and at national level. We have recently introduced the Poetry by Heart competition in which all students from the First to Third Form learn a poem by heart and recite it before their teachers and peers, the winners going on to perform in front of parents at our dedicated Poetry by Heart celebration event. The RGS World Book Week coincides with World Book Day, and during this week we get the whole school involved to promote a love of books and reading.
Although the last two years have limited our scope for trips, we are fortunate once again to have the opportunity to inspire students by visiting the theatre, both in Londonâs West End and Guildfordâs own Yvonne Arnaud theatre. We also hope to run creative writing residential courses for A Level students through the Arvon Centre, and to have visiting theatre workshops on Shakespeare for Lower School students in the summer.
You will be joining a busy, thriving department that is briming with positive energy and enthusiasm for the subject. We welcome new ideas, creativity and excellent subject knowledge.
Job Title: Teacher of Mathematics
Responsible to: Head of Department
Responsible for: No direct reports
Teaching our students to learn
a. Classroom management: teaching staff will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust. High expectations will be set and a range of strategies will be used to manage classes effectively, with praise, sanctions and rewards used consistently and fairly.
b. Formative and summative assessment: of student work, consistent with departmental marking policy and on a sufficiently regular and timely basis.
c. Maintaining classrooms and equipment: staff will treat all school property with respect and care and, equally, ensure their students do likewise.
d. Reporting on student progress: teaching staff will complete reports and grades in a prompt and timely fashion as and when required by the school in the appropriate directed manner and style.
e. Professional Development: teaching staff will reflect on and seek to continually improve their practice through, for example, collaboration with other staff, engaging with CPD courses opportunities and the schoolâs Personal Development Strategy (PDS) appraisal process.
f. Planning: teaching staff will be able to demonstrate evidence of planning in terms of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and then delivering well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of teaching practices.
g. Special Educational Needs: teaching staff will make themselves aware of and accommodate pupilsâ specific learning and medical needs.
Supporting and enriching our school community
a. Appearance: teaching staff should wear smart business dress which mirrors the dress code of the students, or appropriate RGS issue co-curricular clothing when required.
b. Attendance: teaching staff are expected to support school events, such as assemblies; and attend those events as required by the Headmaster, including: Open Day, Junior and Senior Prizegiving Ceremonies, Commemoration Service, Parentsâ Evenings, Field Days, Development Days and the Entrance Examination day.
c. Co-curricular contribution: teaching staff, including part-time staff on a pro-rata basis, are expected to make a significant contribution to the co-curricular life of the school. An example of what constitutes a significant contribution is taking a team with fixtures and after school practices, helping with a club or society and being involved with a house. Staff are matched to their skills as much as possible and so may contribute in equivalent ways to the example above.
d. Duties: teaching staff are expected to play their part in covering lessons and undertake duties as part of the âstaff duty rotaâ, and carry out any other responsibility as reasonably requested by the Headmaster.
e. Pastoral contribution: teaching staff are expected to play a full role in the pastoral life of the school; this will include taking a Tutor Group when required.
f. Punctuality: staff should ensure prompt attendance within school contracted business hours.
Ian Teacher of Biology, joined 2022
If you could choose any other career, what would it be? Professional sportsman! (In a dream life. Never got even close!!)
What Staff groups are you involved in?
Staff football after work; trips to the pub; fantasy football wine league; staff prayer on a Friday before school.
Teacher of Mathematics, joined 2017
What's the best thing about working at the RGS?
You are treated professionally and the students are a pleasure to teach. An excellent environment to grow as a teacher.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Be kind to yourself.
a. Awareness and modelling of school policies: teaching staff will read and act upon, or in accordance with, all the relevant school and departmental policies, and complete the annual âstaff awarenessâ form.
b. Equal opportunities: staff are expected to adhere to the School's equal opportunities policy.
c. Ethics and behaviour: staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of the school by maintaining the highest standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school. They will show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others and not undermine Fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupilsâ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.
d. Safeguarding: staff are expected to be aware of and comply with all aspects of the Schoolâs safeguarding policy and to undergo initial and ongoing training; and be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students for whom they are responsible.
e. Student safety and wellbeing: staff will display the highest possible regard for student safety and wellbeing in accordance with policies, procedures and reasonable good sense at all times, whether on or off school premises.
â Tolerance, kindness and mutual respect pervade every aspect of school life...This results in a highly positive and inclusive learning environment.
ISI Inspection - 2025
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Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to department colleagues, key people within the School and fellow new starters from across the departments.
Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and field trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football, crochet and a wind band. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.
Kalpesh
Teacher of Mathematics, joined 2024
What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Amazing culture and atmosphere where everyone is learning.
What is your motto in life? Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Nicola
Head of Learning Support, joined 2017
What do you love about your department?
That we work as a team and recognise one another's expertise. We look to each other for support and guidance.
What Staff groups are you involved in?
Staff/Parent/Student choir.
Matthew
Head of Lower School, joined 2010
Whatâs the best thing about the RGS? The enthusiastic, positive pupils who have a real desire to learn.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Do what you enjoy, not what you feel you should do.
In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits:
Remuneration
Pension
Fee reduction
Relocation
Medical
QTS status
Career progression
Gym
Dining
Employee Assistance Programme
Well above the national scale, comparing favourably with others in the independent sector.
Choice of TPS or defined contribution scheme. The overall employer contribution in either case is 25% to include pension and benefits.
Fee reduction for child(ren) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
A generous relocation package for those living outside the area. There is a mortgage subsidy scheme as well as a rental scheme.
Private medical scheme.
Full support for a new member of staff wanting to achieve QTS status.
The RGS has a proven track record of career progression, both within the School and promotion to other schools.
Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.
Lunch and refreshments are provided during term time.
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do.
Students come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place.
The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all students study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which students study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the studentsâ time at the School.
The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all students studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are coeducational, organised jointly with Guildford High School.
All students are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme. Whilst not curricular, there is an expectation that staff will support this provision as their experience and expertise enables.
All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburghâs Award Programme and numerous sports tours. Staff are invited to attend and support all of these events.
Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south eastâs best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.
Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girlsâ schools, Tormead School and St Catherineâs, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded âUniversity of the Year for Graduate Employmentâ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
William Cobbett â
The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, andâŠmost happylooking, that I ever saw in my life.
The setting:
The Surrey Hills
North Downs
South Downs
Picturesque villages
The south coast
Travel by rail:
Clapham Junction 29 minutes
London Waterloo 39 minutes
Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes
Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Travel by road:
London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
North Downs
The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
