Pre-Prep KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover)

• Job title: Pre-Prep KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover)
• Job Type: Full time, fixed term
• Reporting to: Principal, Pre-Prep School
• Location: Highgate, North London
• Start: 22 February 2027
• Closing Date: 2 November 2026 at 8:00 am

• Job title: Pre-Prep KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover)
• Job Type: Full time, fixed term
• Salary: £39,823-£67,155
• Department: Pre-Prep
• Reporting to: Principal, Pre-Prep School
• Location: Highgate, North London
• Start: 22 February 2027
• Closing Date: 2 November 2026 at 8:00 am

KS1 Teacher (Maternity Cover) for February 2027

We are seeking an inspirational and highly motivated class teacher to join our flourishing Pre-Prep School from February 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an excellent Key Stage 1 teacher to work within a vibrant and ambitious school community, where curiosity, creativity and a love of learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Applicants should have the flexibility to adapt quickly to a new environment and a creative curriculum, as well possess excellent communication and teamwork skills. An enthusiasm for thoughtful curriculum development and innovation characterises teaching at Highgate. At the Pre-Prep children follow a project-based approach and teachers plan units and activities which are purposeful, motivating and allow the children to have agency within their learning.

We welcome applicants from both the independent and state sectors - candidates do not need to have had prior experience of teaching in the independent sector but should have an interest in teaching in an academically selective school setting.

The Pre-Preparatory School

Highgate Pre-Preparatory School is an academically selective, coeducational school with approximately 180 pupils in 9 classes from Reception to Year 2. The Pre-Preparatory School is housed in its own building in Bishopswood Road, adjacent to the school's playing fields.

Learning at Highgate

Visitors invariably remark on our high standards of work and behaviour, and warm and friendly atmosphere. Highgate's modern teaching and outlook ignites our pupils' learning within a purposeful and exciting curriculum. Our pupils are happy and confident children who are encouraged to take risks.

In Reception, our curriculum is based on the seven areas of learning in the EYFS. In Year 1, our curriculum is designed to extend pupils academically whilst ensuring breadth and balance in the activities on offer. In Year 2, pupils consolidate all that has been taught before, as well as being introduced to new and challenging experiences to foster independent learning. Recorder lessons are added to the Year 2 curriculum and during the summer term, Year 2 pupils take part in a week of special visits and outings. Throughout their time in our Pre-Prep, pupils are taught sports and exercise, Forest School, and music and drama by specialist teachers. Swimming is introduced from Year 1.

Working at Highgate

Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background. We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities.

At Highgate, we constantly think of creative ways to make our whole learning experience inspiring. If we develop this pattern early on, we ignite a spark for the love of learning which can be taken through life.

• Emma Duong, Pre-Prep Principal

Person Specification for Teaching Posts at Highgate

Highgate seeks to appoint teachers who will have the following proven qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• Well-grounded and continuing interest in education, particularly in EYFS and KS1
• Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work and pastoral care
• Good judgement about people and situations, and discretion
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils' responses
• Empathy with and warmth towards pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate
• The ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil
• Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health and emotional development of Highgate's pupils
• General knowledge of Child Protection issues and good practice, particularly relating to professional obligations on safeguarding the welfare of each child and avoiding guarantees of confidentiality in any disclosure
• Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate's pastoral policies
• Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally with staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchange
• Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspective
• The ability to de-fuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition
• Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself

Essential Professional criteria

• Criteria
• How will these be tested or verified?
• A good honours degree or equivalent and a teaching qualification
  • Original degree certificate(s)
  • Questions about subject specialisation (and course content for more recent graduates)
• The ability to teach at EYFS Stage and Key Stage 1
  • Questions at interview relating to the curriculum and strategies for teaching EYFS and KS1
• Experience of and enthusiasm for teaching
  • A 30-minute lesson to be taught to either an EYFS or Key Stage 1 class
  • Opportunity to comment on and grade pupils' written work
• Excellent communication skills
  • Panel interview
  • Lesson (as above)
• The ability to establish good relations with colleagues and pupils
  • Opportunities at interview to recount experiences where these skills have been demonstrated
• Knowledge of, and sympathy with, traditional British values
  • Questions at interview
• Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children
  • Questions at interview to test attitudes towards and knowledge of children's safeguarding and welfare

Desirable professional criteria

• Criteria
• How will these be tested or verified?
• An EYFS qualification or degree covering EYFS is desirable. Knowledge of, and experience of teaching at Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1
  • Opportunities at interview to recount experience of teaching and of successful strategies used in teaching these age groups
• A good understanding of formative and summative assessment, including AfL
  • Questions at interview relating to assessment and record keeping
• A willingness

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