Gap Assistants in Ipswich

Old Buckenham Hall is set in 85 acres of Suffolk parkland and is one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful preparatory schools. Since 1862, it has provided children with a rigorous curriculum and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities, all underpinned by an outstanding system of pastoral care. A co-educational school for children aged 2 - 13, OBH serves a boarding and day community that go on to attend some of the most aspirational senior schools in the UK. Many of these pupils leave having achieved scholarships, with regular destinations including Eton, Oundle, Uppingham and Rugby, as well as schools in East Anglia.

We are looking to appoint a Gap Assistant who is committed to supporting the development of OBH and its pupils and who is motivated to be part of a busy rural boarding school. We value individuals who work hard and support others, but who are also able to have fun and embrace the joy of prep school education.

Gap Assistants at OBH are expected to support the teaching staff by providing an excellent standard of education and care to all pupils at the school. They are required to perform their duties with enthusiasm and positivity and enhance the school’s pastoral system. Each Gap Assistant’s timetable consists of assisting different departments with their teaching programmes and supporting the boarding community at various times. Applicants with a particular interest in the Performing Arts are encouraged to apply.

The school operates seven days per week including evenings during term time. Pastoral, co-curricular, cultural and sports activities take place outside normal day-school hours, and candidates will be expected to contribute fully to these activities. The Rugby salary scale is generous and accommodation is offered.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that ‘the Whole Person is the Whole point’. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.

How to apply: Please register and complete an application via our recruitment portal which can be found at www.rugbyschool.co.uk/about/employment-opportunities. Applications will be considered upon receipt and we reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Closing date: 8 May 2026.

Please note: The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, online searches (including the Dark Web) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.