At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and assist with fun games and activities for kids.
- Company: Join the award-winning ESMS Junior School in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, flexible hours, and access to school facilities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young learners while enjoying a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong organisational skills are a plus.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 20807 - 23200 ÂŁ per year.
Junior School Assistant (including Games) – a temporary full‑time role at ESMS Junior School, Queensferry Road, Edinburgh.
Key Details
- Position: 1
- Contract: Fixed Term, Full Time, Term Time – temporary from March 2026 to 26 June 2026
- Salary: £20,807 per annum (pro‑rata 37.5 hours per week)
- Location: Edinburgh – ESMS Junior School, Queensferry Road
- Closing Date: 13/02/2026
- Department: Physical Education/Sports
- Division: ESMS
- Role Category: Operational/Professional Services
Responsibilities
- Provide in‑class administrative support to Year Group Leaders, Class Teachers and Teacher Assistants across Year Groups P4‑P7.
- Assist with the Junior School Games programme – mid‑week Games, Saturday morning coaching, Breakfast and Bus Club supervision on a rota basis.
- Support planning and delivery of class and school‑wide activities, including event coordination and communication with parents.
- Maintain accurate record‑keeping, lesson documents and pupil data in line with school policy.
- Work collaboratively with the teaching team to promote a positive, proactive learning environment.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience working with children in a school setting is desirable.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Positive, proactive attitude and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Desirable experience in coaching, supporting sports or school events.
- Valid right to work in the UK is required; ESMS is unable to sponsor international workers.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Enhanced sick pay and flexible working hours (37.5 hours per week).
- Use of the school swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours.
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme – discounts at leading retail and entertainment venues.
- Family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme and car leasing salary‑sacrifice scheme.
- Professional review process and regular salary reviews.
- Employee Assistance Service and professional qualification funding.
Values & Safeguarding
ESMS values kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity. All staff work with young people and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will undergo child protection screening – including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland.
Application Process
Applications close 12pm on Friday 13 February 2026. Interviews are anticipated on 27 February 2026.
About ESMS
ESMS is a family of independent schools in the heart of Edinburgh offering a co‑educational nursery, junior school and senior and sixth‑form education. The schools are consistently award‑winning and pioneer holistic, values‑based learning. The school community values passion, professionalism and personal development.
JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT (WITH GAMES) employer: ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
Contact Detail:
ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT (WITH GAMES)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research ESMS Junior School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your skills match the role. Be ready to share examples of your experience working with children and any coaching or sports involvement you've had.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT (WITH GAMES)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Junior School Assistant role. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant school community!
Show Your Passion for Education: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about supporting young learners and contributing to their development.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at ESMS.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Junior School Assistant, especially in relation to supporting Year Group Leaders and assisting with the Games programme. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your organisational and multitasking skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in a school setting or similar environments, particularly when working with children.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of instances where you’ve worked effectively as part of a team. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to creating a positive learning environment alongside teachers and other staff.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and maintain a calm demeanour. Think about how you would respond to various situations, such as managing a group of children during games or coordinating an event.