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- Tasks: Inspire young minds in a vibrant classroom, delivering a joyful and structured curriculum.
- Company: Join a thriving independent prep school in central London with a focus on creativity and kindness.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's early education in an exceptional learning environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree, QTS, and experience in EYFS or Key Stage 1.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with significant investment in facilities and resources.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the School: We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places academic excellence, creativity, and outstanding pastoral care at its heart. Situated beside Exhibition Road in the museum district of central London, we offer pupils an exceptional learning environment enriched by immediate access to world-class cultural and scientific institutions.
About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the Role: We are seeking an outstanding, warm, and inspiring EYFS / KS1 Class Teacher to join our vibrant and ambitious Pre-Prep team. This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent practitioner who understands that early childhood is a unique and precious stage of education. The successful candidate will deliver a rich, structured, and joyful curriculum that builds strong foundations in early language, early reading, number, and personal development, while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence.
Who We Are Looking For:
- Essential:
- A degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Experience teaching in EYFS and/or Key Stage 1.
- Strong understanding of early childhood development and how young children learn.
- The ability to create a nurturing, structured, and ambitious learning environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and parents.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- High expectations for pupil progress, behaviour, and wellbeing.
- Desirable:
- Experience in an independent or preparatory school setting.
- Experience of teaching phonics and early reading (including systematic synthetic phonics).
- A strong understanding of early maths mastery approaches.
- Interest in using technology purposefully to support learning in the early years.
- Experience contributing to curriculum development or enrichment provision.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience.
- Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme.
- Free lunch provided during Term Time.
- School holidays and public holidays.
- School fee discount.
- Exclusive third-party discounts.
- Ongoing professional development.
The School Offers:
- A warm, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
- Outstanding professional development opportunities within the Brighton College family of schools.
- A unique central London setting, with exceptional opportunities for enrichment.
- Significant investment in new and enhanced facilities, including Early Years and KS1 environments.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- A vibrant and welcoming school community.
How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Thursday 5th March 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Reception or Year 1 Teacher employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception or Year 1 Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local teaching events, and connect with fellow educators on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their curriculum and teaching methods. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to deliver a lesson during the interview process, make sure it’s engaging and reflects your teaching style. Use creative resources and strategies to showcase how you can inspire young learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Reception or Year 1 Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see how much you care about early childhood education and how you can inspire our young learners.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in EYFS or Key Stage 1, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that align with our values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
Craft a Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to tell us who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your teaching philosophy, your approach to nurturing young minds, and why you’re excited about joining our vibrant team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 curriculum. Be ready to discuss how you would implement a rich, structured, and joyful curriculum that nurtures curiosity and creativity in young learners.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Prepare to articulate your teaching philosophy, especially regarding early childhood development. Highlight your approach to creating a nurturing and ambitious learning environment where children feel safe and excited to learn.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research the school's core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Think of examples from your experience that demonstrate how you embody these values in your teaching and interactions with students and colleagues.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss specific scenarios or challenges you might face in the classroom. Think about how you would establish calm routines and high expectations while promoting a culture of kindness among your students.