
Senior Schools

Latest Opportunities in Senior Schools
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English Teacher
£32k - 50k per year
A leading independent school on the Hertfordshire borders require an English Teacher from January, 2024, however, a later start would also be considered. This is a permanent position, which can be full-time or part-time, and would entail teaching English to GCSE level. Essential: Prior experience teaching English at GCSE level, or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching English at GCSE level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus; however, this is certainly not essential. The school is set on picturesque grounds and the atmosphere of the school is warm and friendly. A passion for all subjects is encouraged in a holistic approach to learning so that pupils can find their own identity, meaning and sense of purpose by inspiring personal and collective responsibility in a nurturing setting. Inherent in the school's mission is teaching students values such as: humility, honesty, persistence, service, and grit. If you are enthusiastic about English and interested in teaching in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please call: 020 7820 7308 and ask for Devra for an informal chat. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Teacher of Maths & Further Maths
£32k - 54k per year
A leading independent school on the Derbyshire borders require a Maths teacher from April, 2024 or earlier. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Maths and Further Maths to A level. Full accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Maths at KS5 or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching Further Maths, and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus; however, this is certainly not essential. The teachers take great interest in their pupils and inspire them to share not only a love of their subjects but a love of learning itself. Activities designed to build resilience and grit are built into every subject. Great emphasis is placed on personal and moral development, teaching respect for the self, for others, and the environment. Pupils are happy, confident, caring, and responsible young people who leave the school ready to face the challenges of the future and to make a difference. If you are an enthusiastic about Maths and would like the opportunity to work in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: Tel: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Economics Teacher
£35k - 62k per year
An independent school on the London borders require an Economics teacher from April or September, 2024, or an earlier start would also be possible. This is a permanent position teaching Economics at A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Economics or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school's ethos is to provide a high quality education in a stimulating environment where all students are valued, respected, and supported. The school's excellent pastoral care programme is underpinned by the on-going development of relationships between students, staff and parents. From their very first day, pupils are inspired to think about their responsibilities to other people and make sure integrity, kindness, and good manners are second nature. If you are passionate about Economics and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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KS3 & KS4 Chemistry Teacher
£34.5k - 58k per year
A leading independent British School on the French borders require a Chemistry teacher from January, 2024. The position is initially until the end of the academic year with a definite view to becoming permanent from September (or earlier). The role would entail teaching Chemistry primarily at KS3 and GCSE; A level can also be offered, if preferred. Full assistance with accommodation and board is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Chemistry at GCSE level or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Full support would be provided for the ECT Indution. Desired: The ability to offer Chemistry at A level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus; however, this is certainly not essential. The school is set on stunning, picturesque surroundings and lavish grounds for sport. State of the art facilities highlight all areas of the school. Pupils are taught how to think analytically and independently; preparing them for our ever changing world. Academic rigour is underpinned by an equally strong and nurturing pastoral care system. All students and staff are encouraged to contribute to life at the school and to make the most of the opportunities available. The school's central aim is to ensure pupils leave as well-rounded and balanced individuals with a real sense of identity. If you are passionate about Chemistry and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Geography Teacher
£33k - 56k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Geography teacher from January, 2024. The position can be part-time or full-time, and would run till the end of the academic year initially with a view to becoming permanent from September (and very likely earlier). The role would entail teaching Geography to A level. Essential: Prior experience teaching Geography at KS4/KS5 or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching at Geography A Level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school's ethos is to provide a high quality education in a stimulating environment where all pupils are valued, respected, and supported. The school's excellent pastoral care provision is underpinned by the ongoing excellent relationships between students, staff, and parents. In addition to the excellent academic rigour, students are continually inspired to think about their responsibilities to others and make sure integrity, kindness, and honesty are at the forefront. If you are a passionate geographer and eager to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV as soon as possible to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra on tel: 020 7820 7308 for an informal chat. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Biology Teacher
£32k - 54k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Biology teacher from April, 2024, however, an earlier start would also be considered. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Biology to A Level. Essential: Prior experience teaching Biology at KS5 or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching Biology at A level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school is set on picturesque grounds and offers state of the art facilities. Academic rigour underpinned by excellent pastoral care is at the forefront of the school's mission. The vast co-curricular activities on offer also help in providing a holistic education for the students. Central to the school's ethos, is teaching values such as: humility, dedication, service, resilience and integrity. If you are a passionate about Biology and would like the opportunity to teach in a leading school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 0207 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Maths Teacher
£34k - 56k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Maths teacher from April, 2024, however, an earlier start could also be considered. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Maths to A Level. There are fast-track positions with responsibility available as well. Essential: Prior experience teaching Maths, or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching Maths at A Level, the ability to offer Further Maths, and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school values pupils' academic achievements alongside the development of the whole person, be that in sport, the arts or a multitude of other areas. The school is set on picturesque grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. If you are passionate about Mathematics and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Head of Modern Foreign Languages Faculty
£52k - 64k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Head of Modern Languages Faculty from April 2024 or earlier. This is a permanent position, which would entail leading and managing the MFL department as well as teaching German and French. Essential: Prior experience teaching German and French. The ability to offer German or French to A level, and the other language GCSE. Desired: Experience holding a position of responsibility, and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. Central to the school's ethos, is teaching values such as: humility, service, resilience and integrity. Excellence is academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. The vast co-curricular activities on offer also help in providing a holistic education for the students , and a lively and vibrant atmosphere for all staff. If you are a passionate about MFL would like the opportunity to teach in a leading independent school, then please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 0207 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Computing & ICT Teacher
£34k - 55k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Computing & ICT teacher from April, 2024, however, an earlier start would also be considered. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Computing and ICT to GCSE, and A level ideally. Essential: Prior experience teaching Computer Science and/or ICT, or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching Computer Science at A Level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school values pupils' academic achievements alongside the development of the whole person, be that in sport, the arts or a multitude of other areas. The school is set on beautiful grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. If you are passionate about Computing & ICT and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Maths & Further Maths Teacher
£32.5k - 56k per year
A leading independent school on Herts borders require a Maths & Further Maths teacher from January, 2024. This is initially a position till the end of the academic year with a strong likelihood of becoming permanent, and which would entail teaching both subjects to A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Maths at KS5 or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching Further Maths and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school believe in cultivating a friendly, warm atmosphere where students and staff alike feel comfortable and supported. Offering excellence in academics alongside an outstanding pastoral care programme and a rich extracurricular provision which includes service, is central to the ethos of the school. Teaching values such as: creativity, compassion, moral courage, resilience and social responsibility are at the forefront of the school's mission. If you are passionate about Maths and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Philosophy, Ethics & RE Teacher
£33k - 55k per year
A leading independent school on the London borders require a teacher of Philosophy, Ethics & RE from January, 2024. This is initially a position until the end of the academic year with a possibility of being extended or becoming permanent. The role would entail teaching Religious Education, Philosophy and Ethics to A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Religious Education and/or Philosophy or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching RE and/or Philosophy at A Level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus; however, this is certainly not essential. Central to the school's ethos, is teaching values such as: humility, service, resilience and integrity. Excellence is academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. The vast array of co-curricular activities on offer provides enjoyable opportunities for pupils to explore their skills and interests while ensuring a well-rounded, comprehensive education for all. If you are a passionate about Religious Education and Philosophy and would like the opportunity to teach in a leading independent school, then please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 0207 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Physics Teacher
£31k - 53k per year
A leading independent school on the London borders require a Physics teacher from April, 2024. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Physics to A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Physics or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Desired: Experience teaching Physics at KS5 and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The successful candidate will be able to convey his/her own enthusiasm, commitment to students of all ages, and a genuine love of learning and enquiry to students in the department. The school places an equal focus on academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care. If you have are passionate about Physics and would like to work in a top independent school, then please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Maths Teacher
£33k - 53k per year
A leading independent school in London require a Maths teacher (p/t) from January, 2024. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Maths through the school. There is a possibility for the position to be full-time if another subject could be offered. Essential: Prior experience teaching teaching KS4 or KS5 Maths or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: The ability to offer Computer Science and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school encourages independence of thought and tailors the learning experience to individual needs, thereby securing higher levels of achievement. They give students progressive responsibilities and encourage their participation in worthwhile activities beyond the classroom, developing students' awareness so that they achieve genuine fulfilment and greater benefit. Encompassed within the school's mission is for pupils to seek to make a contribution to society and develop as upstanding role models in later life. If you are enthusiastic about Maths and looking for an opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra on: 020 7820 7308 for an informal chat. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Economics Teacher
£32.5k - 55k per year
A leading independent school on the Kent borders require a temporary Economics teacher from January, 2024. This is initially a position for half a term, however, there is a strong possibility the post would be extended. The role would entail teaching Economics at A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching Economics or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Desired: Experience teaching Economics and a background in the independent sector, would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school values pupils' academic achievements alongside the development of the whole person, be that in sport, the arts or a multitude of other areas. The school is set on picturesque grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. If you are passionate about Economics and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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French Teacher
£32k - 54k per year
A leading independent school in Surrey require a French teacher to start this term. This is a contract position which would run until May, 2024, and entail teaching French through the Senior School. Essential: Prior experience teaching French or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching French at KS4 or KS5, and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The teachers take great interest in their pupils and inspire them to share not only a love of their subjects but a love of learning itself. Activities designed to build resilience and persistence are built into every subject. Great emphasis is placed on personal and moral development, teaching respect for the self, for others, and the environment. Pupils are happy, confident, caring, and responsible young people who leave the school ready to face the challenges of the future and to make a difference. If you are an enthusiastic linguist and would like the opportunity to work in a vibrant school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: Tel: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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History & Politics Teacher
£32k - 54k per year
A leading independent school on the Kent borders require a temporary History & Politics teacher from January, 2024. This is initially a position for half a term, however, there is a strong possibility the post would be extended. The role would entail teaching History & Politics to A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching History and/or Politics or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly received. Desired: Experience teaching History and/or Politics at A level and a background in the independent sector, would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school values pupils' academic achievements alongside the development of the whole person, be that in sport, the arts or a multitude of other areas. The school is set on picturesque grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. If you are passionate about History and Politics and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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EAL Teacher
£33.5k - 55k per year
A leading independent senior school in London require an EAL teacher from January, 2024. The position would entail teaching English as a Second Language throughout the school. Essential: PGCE or CELTA/DELTA, and minimum of 2 years' teaching experience. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: A background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school believe in cultivating a friendly, warm atmosphere where students and staff alike feel comfortable and supported. Offering excellence in academics alongside an outstanding pastoral care programme and a rich extracurricular provision which includes service, is central to the ethos of the school. Teaching values such as: creativity, compassion, moral courage, resilience, and social responsibility are at the forefront of the school's mission. If you are passionate about EAL and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Art Technician
£25k - 33k per year
A leading independent school in London require a part-time Art Technician. This is initially a long-term position to start this term, with the strong likelihood of becoming permanent. The role would entail preparing materials and resources, and assisting students from KS3 to A level. Essential: Prior experience assisting in Art, or applications from strong graduates would also be warmly received. Desired: Experience assisting in Art at GCSE and A level, and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school values pupils' academic achievements alongside the development of the whole person, be that in sport, the arts or a multitude of other areas. The school is set on picturesque grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. If you are passionate about Art and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to: devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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Science Teacher
£31k - 53k per year
A leading independent school on the Hertfordshire borders require a Science teacher from January, 2024. This is a permanent position which would entail teaching Science to GCSE level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Experience teaching Science to KS4, or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: Experience teaching at A Level and a background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school is set on picturesque grounds, with its mission being for students to develop a love of learning and to reach their full potential. Academic rigour is underpinned by an outstanding pastoral care programme. Teaching students values such as: service, humility, resilience, and dedication are central to the school's ethos. Within the classroom, they encourage pupils to strive for the highest academic standards, to seize the many learning opportunities provided and to celebrate their achievements and those of their peers. If you are passionate about Science and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra on: 020 7820 7308 for an informal chat. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
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English Teacher
£33k - 54k per year
A leading independent school in London requires a teacher of English from January, 2024 start would also be considered. The position would run until the end of the academic year in the first instance, with a strong likelihood of becoming permanent. The post would entail teaching English to at least GCSE level, and ideally A level. Assistance with accommodation is available. Essential: Prior experience teaching English or applications from strong ECTs or postgraduates would also be warmly considered. Full support would be provided for the ECT Induction. Desired: A background in the independent sector would be a bonus, however, this is certainly not essential. The school believe in cultivating a friendly, warm atmosphere where students and staff alike feel comfortable and supported. Offering excellence in academics alongside an outstanding pastoral care programme and a rich extracurricular provision that includes service is central to the ethos of the school. Teaching values such as: creativity, compassion, moral courage, resilience and social responsibility are at the forefront of the school's mission. If you are an English enthusiast and would like the opportunity to teach in a top independent school, please forward your CV asap to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or please ask for Devra for an informal chat on: 020 7820 7308. Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.
Apply Now
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Welcome to our new website!
If you're reading this, we're delighted to say that you're now viewing the brand new version of the Harris Hill Independent Schools website, launched on 1st November 2018.There are plenty of design and content updates, but you’ll find the structure largely unchanged so we hope you'll find it easy to navigate.The real changes are behind the scenes: we wanted to improve your experience by making it significantly quicker and easier to register, search and apply for jobs on the site - things that we know haven’t always been quite as easy as they should – so we've rebuilt everything from scratch using the excellent Volcanic platform, and we hope you’ll start to see the benefits immediately.New features to look out for include:► the 'Dashboard' page, where you can upload and update your details, keep track of your applications, manage job alerts and more► fast and accurate new job search functions to help you track down the perfect job in no time...► ...and a streamlined application process to help you apply in a matter of moments when you do.Why do I need to register again?To build the new site, we’ve moved everything to a brand new provider, but for maximum protection of your data, user account details such as logins and passwords have not been transferred.Unfortunately this does mean that both new and existing users will need to create a new account in order to log in and make full use of the site. However the good news is that it can now be done in a matter of seconds, or with just one click via your LinkedIn profile – so we hope it won’t be a major inconvenience.Please note this only concerns your account login for the website and you will not need to re-supply any other details: if you’ve registered as a candidate with one of our consultants they will still have all the relevant information on hand to help you find a great new independent school job, whether it’s for next term, next year or at some point in the future!All the best from the team and we hope you enjoy using the new site.Harris Hill Independent Schools
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CV and interview advice: video tutorials
Our Senior Consultant (and former teacher) Ben Roberts has helped a wide range of teachers to secure great new roles within independent and international schools. In these quick two-minute videos, he shares useful tips for writing your CV and succeeding at school interviews.
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A guide for candidates
What to expect if you're moving into the independent schools sector for the first time Ask around and you'll hear some widely-held preconceptions about independent schools, even though just 7% of the UK population have attended one as a pupil, much less as staff. But what is it really like to work as a teacher in this sector? The first point to make is that no two schools are the same: just as state schools encompass a wide range of sizes, styles and students, independent schools can be similarly diverse. We've listed some of the common factors below but these won't apply to every school, so it's always worth researching your choice in plenty of detail. So, what should you be aware of? If your state school experience has been characterised by overstretched class sizes, overstretched budgets and overstretched teachers, you might be tempted to see the independent sector as an easier option. While it's often true that you'll be in a pleasant environment with better resources, don't assume your role will necessarily be less demanding: expectations may be higher and you may be required to take on a wider range of responsibilities. Those responsibilities will almost certainly include significant extra-curricular activities. Independent schools look for teachers who can bring something to the school beyond standard class teaching, so there are great opportunities to express and develop your own interests, whether those be musical, sporting, arts and crafts, technological - there'll be plenty of demand for your talents and you'll be encouraged to use them. Activities may well extend to more frequent trips and excursions than you may be used to - of course these will require your time but you'll also enjoy some great experiences and valuable opportunities to take learning outside the classroom. Speaking of the classroom, expect a less rigid approach to the curriculum than you may have encountered in state schools. You'll have greater flexibility to design and plan your own lessons, and creativity is likely to be encouraged. Independent schools are purely for the wealthy and privileged, aren't they? It's a common preconception but you may well be surprised by the diversity of your pupils and their parents. Bursaries and scholarships account for a substantial proportion of attendees, while other parents may be making considerable sacrifices in order to fund their children's education. Either way, with significant fees come significant parental expectations - parents will want to know they are getting the very best for their child, so expect plenty of contact. They may in fact be no more demanding than you may be used to, but do expect (and be prepared to provide) more frequent and detailed communication. Moving between sectors Looking at your career as a whole, you don't need to view the state-or-independent school decision as a once-in-a-lifetime choice. There is increasing fluidity and co-operation between the two sectors: as an independent school teacher you can move back to the state sector, just as the independent sector welcomes state school teachers who can bring the qualities they seek. Don't forget that you can also gain your NQT within the independent sector. Getting the job Lastly a word on the interview process: typically (though not in all cases) an independent school will see fewer candidates but run a more personalised, in-depth process. You'll spend longer at the school, probably taking a lesson or two and meeting people over lunch, and more time will be spent to ensure the right fit between yourself and the institution. As a consequence it may take two weeks or more to see all candidates, so don't panic if you don't hear back immediately, you may well be the very person they're looking for! If you're considering a move into the independent schools sector and would like any further advice, please feel free to give any of the team a call on 020 7587 5153 or email schools@harrishill.co.uk