School Librarian

An ambitious, creative school in its seventh year.

Maida Vale School is an ambitious school that values creativity, curiosity, contribution and adaptability both in the classroom and beyond. We foster innovation while promoting warmth, kindness and inclusivity, encouraging all students to aim high and achieve their full potential.

Now in its seventh year, MVS continues to grow and strengthen its reputation as a positive, progressive, academically selective community — with an inspiring new building and an extensive co‑curricular programme spanning sport, creative and performing arts, academic subjects and beyond.

Life at Maida Vale — a library at the heart of the school

Maida Vale · W9

The Role

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised and inspirational School Librarian to lead and develop our library. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about books, literacy, and supporting young people in developing a lifelong love of reading.

The School Librarian will play a central role in developing a vibrant, welcoming and inspiring library at the heart of the school community. They will champion reading for pleasure and academic curiosity, bringing literature and learning resources to life through engaging library lessons, reading initiatives, competitions, author visits, displays and enrichment opportunities.

Working closely with staff across all departments, the Librarian will support the curriculum by ensuring students and teachers have access to high-quality fiction, non‑fiction and digital resources that enhance learning and foster independent study skills. They will oversee the day‑to‑day management and development of the library — including cataloguing, stock management, issuing and returning resources, and maintaining an organised, safe and stimulating environment.

The school operates its own pay scale and offers a salary commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and the responsibilities of the role. Line managed by a member of the English Department and, ultimately, responsible to the Headmaster.

Main Duties

What you'll be doing, day to day.

• 01 Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operation of the school library, ensuring it remains an orderly, welcoming and academically purposeful environment at the heart of the school.
• 02 Promote a culture of reading, scholarship and intellectual curiosity across the school through the effective development and management of the library.
• 03 Plan and deliver library induction sessions, reading initiatives and enrichment activities that encourage students to develop confidence and independence as readers and researchers.
• 04 Organise and coordinate literary events, including author visits, reading competitions and other enrichment opportunities that support the wider life of the school.
• 05 Support and guide students in the selection and use of appropriate fiction, non‑fiction and research materials.
• 06 Supervise students working independently within the library, ensuring a calm, purposeful and studious atmosphere conducive to learning.
• 07 Supervise students using the library during break and lunch times, maintaining high standards of behaviour, conduct and mutual respect.
• 08 Implement and uphold the School's Behaviour Policy consistently and effectively within the library environment.
• 09 Maintain high standards of presentation, organisation and discipline within the library at all times.
• 10 Work collaboratively with Heads of Department and teaching staff to identify, source and provide appropriate resources to support the curriculum and wider reading.
• 11 Manage, maintain and develop the library catalogue and library management system, including the cataloguing, issuing and returning of stock.
• 12 Oversee the organisation, maintenance and security of all library resources, facilities and learning materials.
• 13 Administer library bookings and coordinate the effective use of the library by students and staff.
• 14 Produce library guides, displays and informational materials to support effective use of the library and promote reading throughout the school.
• 15 Work with the English Department to support the delivery of the school's Accelerated Reader programme, ensuring that books are accurately catalogued and maintained.
• 16 Contribute to the strategic development of the library through the preparation and implementation of an annual Library Development Plan.
• 17 Provide induction and guidance for new students regarding the effective use of the library and its systems.
• 18 Liaise with external agencies, educational organisations and local libraries where appropriate to enhance the library's provision and opportunities for students.
• 19 Contribute fully to the safeguarding and welfare of students in accordance with the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• 20 Undertake such other reasonable duties as may be required by the Headmaster.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Work with fantastic and engaging pupils.
• Enjoy an inspiring new building.
• Take part in extra‑curricular trips and visits.
• Take a leading role in developing the school library further.

Person Specification

Candidates should demonstrate how they meet these selection criteria in their application form, supporting statement and interview.

Experience

• Experience of working in a school library.
• Experience working with a library management system.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.
• Understanding of cataloguing, stock management and library systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in a school setting.
• Knowledge of independent school life and the wider co‑curricular programme.
• Awareness of digital literacy tools and online research resources.

Skills & Abilities

• Capacity to develop and build a vibrant and successful school library.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage staff, parent and pupil relationships.
• Ability to develop and implement an annual Library Development Plan.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to guide students in developing research skills and selecting appropriate texts.
• Confidence in delivering library lessons and inductions to whole classes.
• Creativity in producing displays, guides and promotional materials.

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic, organised and inspirational, with a passion for books and literacy.
• Willingness to use the school library as a resource for the development of teaching and learning.
• Willingness to participate in the wider life and development of the school, showing commitment to its ethos and flexibility in achieving its aims.
• Warm, approachable and welcoming manner with young people, staff and parents.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Pastoral & Co‑Curricular

The ethos of the school is that of a family — sociable, supportive and nurturing — imparting emotional care and security to students, parents and staff. Our approach emphasises partnership with parents, hence the unique and popular Parent Café, alongside an extensive extra‑curricular programme.

Safeguarding

Maida Vale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an Enhanced DBS check. Interviews may be held on a rolling basis — early applications are strongly encouraged.

Apply

Ready to join us? Download the Word application form, complete it offline and send it to recruitment@maidavaleschool.com. The equal opportunities monitoring form is kept separate from your application form but can be emailed with it.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 7 August 2026. Interviews likely Wednesday 12 August 2026. The equal opportunities form is optional and kept separately from your application.