At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Boarding in creating a nurturing environment for around 100 boarders.
- Company: Ackworth School is a historic co-educational boarding and day school with a strong Quaker ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy rent-free accommodation, meals, flexible pension, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Fixed term contract from September 2025 to July 2026, with flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience working with young people in a vibrant, inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates interested in education or sports; no specific experience required.
The predicted salary is between 16923 - 16923 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an additional Resident Graduate Assistant as an integral part of our joint boarding house team which looks after around 100 boarders in one large, co-educational house. Ackworth School, a co-educational boarding and day school, was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It maintains its ethos and traditions and is still governed by the Society. The school is academically non-selective and provides an excellent range of facilities and extra-curricular opportunities, recently achieving "Excellent" in the FCI/EQI (February 2023).
As a non-selective school, we offer a broad education that supports all abilities. Our small class sizes mean that our teachers can dedicate more time to deliver a rich curriculum, allowing all pupils to make progress. Our pupils are one of Ackworth's USPs. Visitors to the school never fail to acknowledge how amazing they are and how positive the encounter is. This is something that makes a career at Ackworth such a rewarding one.
The boarding team comprises the Head of Boarding, and a combination of Assistant House Parents and boarding tutors. This new role will work alongside the team to support the Head of Boarding in creating a nurturing environment. We pride ourselves on offering an inclusive environment where boarders can mix freely as part of our whole resident population. The boarding house is a home from home where there is always someone to listen and give support.
Ackworth is a dynamic and forward-thinking school. We strive to develop resilient individuals who not only think creatively, but also act ethically and with responsibility. We encourage our students to express themselves with confidence, to embody the Quaker value of speaking respectfully to others, but also in a way that is true to themselves and their beliefs. In order for this to be seen in the boarders, we expect boarding staff to be able to model these qualities and attributes.
When working you will form part of our varied weekend activity offering and everyone is encouraged to take part. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied in the evenings and weekends with a fitness suite and pool, not to mention theatre trips and sporting fixtures through the academic departments.
You will work a combination of daytime, evening and weekend shifts. Flexibility is key in this role as we have to respond to matters that arise readily to ensure consistent care for boarders. For the better performance of your role you will be provided with an apartment within the boarding house inclusive of rent and utilities and all meals during term time.
As a relatively small school, around 430 pupils in total, we enable pupils and staff to immediately become part of our community and we hope that, if this role is something that resonates with your skills and values, you will become a key part of the Ackworth School community.
The salary for the role is £16,923. The working hours are on average 40 per week and there are 34 working weeks. It is a fixed term contract from September 2025 until July 2026.
The position may be of particular interest to recent graduates looking to gain experience of working with young people before considering a teacher training route or someone who is looking to do the same after a career change. We welcome applications from those who have a particular interest in sport, however graduates looking to teach core subjects will bring a valuable academic element in terms of pupil support.
In return we offer:
- rent free full-time accommodation suitable for a single person (which can be viewed at interview)
- a generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff.
- all food and refreshments during the working day.
- free on-site parking.
- flexible pension and wellbeing benefits.
- 34 working weeks
- a supportive and friendly environment based on the Quaker ethos of the school.
- a beautiful working location in an ideal location within easy travelling distance of the main centres of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and York.
Completed school application forms should be submitted with a cover letter of no more than one page and should be sent by email to: jobs@ackworthschool.com
Closing Date: Thursday 10th July 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interviews will be held in the last two weeks of July. We reserve the right to see candidates prior to the closing date so early application is recommended.
Applicants should read carefully the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within “Working For Us”. Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants should also be in sympathy with the School’s Quaker ethos.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Joanne Colley on 01977 233600 or joanne.colley@ackworthschool.com
Resident Graduate Assistant (Sport/Academic) employer: Ackworth School
Contact Detail:
Ackworth School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Resident Graduate Assistant (Sport/Academic)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Quaker ethos and values that Ackworth School embodies. Understanding these principles will not only help you align your application with the school's culture but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for the boarders.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the school environment, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show your genuine interest in becoming part of the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with young people, especially in a boarding or educational context. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported or mentored students, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your flexibility and willingness to engage in weekend and evening activities. This role requires adaptability, so emphasising your enthusiasm for participating in extracurricular events will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Resident Graduate Assistant (Sport/Academic)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Resident Graduate Assistant position. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values, particularly the Quaker principles that guide their community.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that specifically addresses how your skills and experiences align with the role. Highlight any relevant experience working with young people, your interest in sports, and your ability to contribute to a nurturing environment.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles or experiences that demonstrate your capability to support students academically and socially. Include examples of teamwork, flexibility, and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role that involves working closely with students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackworth School
✨Understand the Quaker Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the values and principles of the Quaker community, as this is central to Ackworth School's identity. Be prepared to discuss how you can embody these values in your role and support the school's inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to various situations, especially since the role involves a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed changing circumstances.
✨Engage with the Boarding Community
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with young people in a boarding environment. Discuss any relevant experiences you have had in similar settings and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing atmosphere for the boarders.
✨Prepare for Activity Involvement
Be ready to talk about your interests in sports or extracurricular activities, as these are important aspects of the role. Think of ways you can contribute to the weekend activities and how you can encourage boarders to participate.