Early Years Teacher (One Year Fixed Term Contract)
Candidate Information

HEAD MASTER’S
WELCOME

Dear Candidate

As the Head Master of Dulwich Prep & Senior, I am
honoured to introduce you to this incredible
school. For over 140 years, the school has inspired
generations of boys aged 3 to 13 (and Nursery-aged
girls) to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

In September 2025, we will open a senior school and
extend our provision from 2 to 16  years, starting
with Year 9 and organically growing to our first
cohort sitting their G C S Es in the summer of 2028.

We are privileged to have developed a specific
pedagogy that enables critical thinking, encourages
exploration, and facilitates engaging
communication skills while recognising that each
child is on their journey of discovery.

We passionately believe in the whole child.
Therefore, our broad and enriched education will
enable our pupils to go beyond the expected and
toward the exceptional.

We seek to work in partnership with parents and
carers to embed the Dulwich Prep & Senior
Values, first and foremost, as this underpins the
character skills required in our fast-paced
modern world.

This expectation enables each child to put
empathy and compassion at the forefront of
their decision-making. It is the catalyst for each
child to be successful and resilient in whatever
they turn their hand to while on their educational
journey and beyond.

Above all, we seek an individual who will embody
the Dulwich Prep & Senior Values, modelling them
to our young people to ensure that pupils deploy
empathy and compassion in their decision-
making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Miss Louise Davidson
Head Master

ABOUT US

Located in Dulwich, a picturesque village known for its
exceptional schools and abundant open spaces, our school
benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s most
cosmopolitan cities.

We are situated across two sites covering 29 acres, including
extensive sports fields and woodland, which enables the
school to offer a unique blend of a country atmosphere in a
suburban setting.

Dulwich Prep & Senior has been a leading preparatory school
in England since 1885. Throughout the years, countless boys
and Nursery-aged girls have benefited from our school’s rich
history and forward-thinking approach. We have always
embraced change, kept pace with pedagogy and technology,
and, most importantly, are passionate about each pupil and
staff member’s individual journey.

As the UK’s largest boys’ independent preparatory
school, we enrol over 800 pupils aged 2 to 13. Our
selection process is twofold: we look for pupils who
generally rank in the top 20% nationally based on
standardised tests, but more importantly, we seek
children who will thrive and make the most of all that
our school has to offer.

We take great pride in inspiring excellence with our
Values ethos permeating every aspect of our curriculum
.
and co-curricular activities.

Academic excellence is a top priority, with 12 essential
skills taught for success in education and beyond. Along
with the Values, these 20 attributes empower boys to
thrive in any future they choose. Expectations are high!
We develop independent thinkers who make decisions
based on empathy and compassion, which leads to their
success and resilience.

Our Governors play a crucial role in maintaining Dulwich Prep
& Senior’s position in a competitive market. Their expertise
allows us to provide an innovative and challenging curriculum
alongside a high-quality learning environment, by attracting
excellent staff, implementing up-to-date technology, and
continuously improving our modern facilities.

Dulwich Prep & Senior provides a well-rounded
education focusing on academic excellence, character
development, and personal growth. We strive to nurture
boys to become confident, compassionate, and prepared
to impact the world positively. For the boys attending
this school, their journey goes beyond exam
preparation; it prepares them for life.

OUR VALUES

Our eight values are the heart of our school and provide a powerful educational framework as well as being strong values for life. By demonstrating Love, Courage, Gratitude,
Humility, Justice, Service, Self- Discipline, and Honesty, our pupils gain greater insight into themselves, others, and the ever-changing world in which they live. We have formed four
value pairings, each with an emotive statement that together encapsulate the spirit of Dulwich Prep & Senior, making our values truly unique to our school.

We advocate the transformative power of
love and service. We encourage our pupils
to make heartfelt contributions that uplift
others.

This fosters an environment where  pupils
support one another, building a culture of
mutual respect and collaboration.

Through acts of kindness and selfless
service, our collective passion creates a
ripple  effect that enriches lives and
spreads joy far beyond our school.

By acting with Love & Service, these values
create our home for kindness and
community.

We inspire our pupils to pursue
their aspirations with unwavering
courage and seize every opportunity to
learn and grow.

We cultivate self-discipline in our
boys, encouraging them to
prioritise long-term achievements over
short-term gratifications.

They learn to take responsibility for
their actions, seek help when needed,
and strive for excellence in all they do.

By acting with Courage & Self-
Discipline, these values create
our passion for excellence and growth.

We champion honesty and justice, urging
our boys to embrace truth and
authenticity in all aspects of their lives.

We teach our pupils to empathise with
others, to be respectful, and to be
accepting of another’s perspective.

We empower our pupils to act with
integrity, be upstanding in their beliefs,
and communicate their perspectives
respectfully.

We ensure that everyone feels valued
within our close-knit community and that
our boys understand that greater
satisfaction can come from helping others.

Our boys develop a strong sense of justice,
understanding and advocating for what is
right.

Our pupils understand the power of
gratitude and humility and how they are
key to having a happy and fulfilling life.

By acting with Honesty & Justice, these
values create our spirit for bravery and
integrity.

By acting with Gratitude & Humility, these
values create our mindset for respect and
appreciation.

JOB DESCRIPTION
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

EARLY YEARS TEACHING & LEARNING

• Create and manage a caring, supportive,

purposeful and stimulating environment that is
conducive to children’s learning.

• Promote high standards of behaviour and discipline
among the pupils, safeguarding their health and
safety.

• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality,

differentiated lessons across the Early Years
curriculum in line with the school’s schemes of
work.

•

Identify clear teaching objectives and learning
outcomes, with appropriate challenge and high
expectations.

• Organise and manage groups or individual pupils,
ensuring differentiation of learning needs and
reflecting their abilities.

• Provide effective feedback and enable pupils to

develop positive attitudes to learning.

• Assess, record, and report on pupil development,

progress, and attainment.

• Use assessment to evaluate and improve teaching
and the learning and attainment of the pupils.
• Ensure effective use of support staff within the

classroom, including parent helpers.

• Support the design, development and co-ordination

of a particular area of the curriculum.

• Collaborate as an active member of the whole

school team. contributing to decision-making on
the preparation and development of policies and
schemes of work, teaching materials, resources,
methods of teaching and pastoral arrangements.

• Actively participate in staff meetings and INSET

days and share in supervisory duties.

• Promote learning and celebrate achievement

through bright and varied displays.

• Ensure that school policies are reflected in daily

practice.

• Actively promote strong and positive relationships
with parents and carers, speaking with them about
all aspects of their children’s education.

CLASS TEACHER
• Managing the daily responsibilities of pupils in the

class.

GENERAL TEACHER

• Cover colleagues and perform all the duties and tasks

expected of a class teacher.

• Provide a rich learning environment.

• Hold high expectations for the children, reflecting on
their learning and supporting them to reach their full
potential.

• Assist with managing wraparound care, including

supervision duties.

• Assist with standardised and internal pupil

assessments.

•

Facilitate differentiation.

• Participate in the admissions process.

• Maintain good order and discipline among pupils and

to promote and contribute to the School's
responsibility for safeguarding children.

• Share regular supervisory duties as required.

• Adhere to school policies and procedures.

KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• QTS qualification (PGCE desirable).

•

Full and relevant training and/or experience in the
Early Years Foundation Stage and/or KS1, which
qualifies you at Level 6 for EYFS staff:child ratios, as
defined by the Department for Education

• Outstanding practitioner with strong knowledge of

child development.

• Knowledge of current educational thinking, initiatives

and issues in Early Years.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

procedures.

• Regularly review your practice, working with your Head

of Department to set personal targets and take
responsibility for your continuous professional
development.

• Participate in the annual performance review process.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

•

IT literate and understanding of the role of ICT in class.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES

• Passionate individual with drive, energy and

commitment for Early Years.

•

Inspires confidence and respect from pupils,
colleagues and parents.

• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils.

knowledge and skills with colleagues.

• Maintain high professional standards of attendance,

punctuality, appearance and conduct.

•

Flexible approach: planning, prioritising and managing
a varied workload.

• Maintain positive, courteous relations with pupils,

• Uses initiative, with a proactive attitude.

• Team focused, promoting good practice by imparting

parents and colleagues.

• Commitment to the highest standards of educational

• Promote the good name and reputation of the school.

and pastoral care for all pupils.

WORKING AT
DULWICH PREP & SENIOR

Dulwich Prep & Senior is an inspiring and vibrant place to work. We
have a large yet incredibly warm community of passionate teachers,
inquisitive pupils, a hard-working and friendly support team and
ambitious parents. Together, we create a supportive environment
that is committed to achieving excellence.

Working at DPS means being part of a team that cares about your
continued professional development and teaching journey.
Whether you join us at the beginning, middle or end of your career,
you will be guided, supported and encouraged every step to achieve
your goals. For example, our CPD might involve training for whole
school initiatives, going on ‘Learning Walks’ around the school,
participating in a Lesson Study, or seeking further formal academic
qualifications.

We are proud to be members of the Teacher Development Trust,
which supports schools focused on innovation and evidence-based
learning. In addition, we work with Initial Teacher Training
institutions such as St Mary’s University, Twickenham and The
Cambridge Partnership to develop new teachers and keep up to
date with the latest research and pedagogy.

Staff are encouraged to participate in as many of the vast array of
sporting and drama activities as possible at the Prep. From all-
nighter charity swims to Saturday park runs to our fabulous drama
productions; there’s always something going on at DPS, where
hidden talents are celebrated.

REMUNERATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Competitive Salary of £36,220 to £55,335.

• Generous defined contribution pension

scheme.

• Life assurance and Income protection

insurance (academic staff).

• Free school lunches.

• Enhanced sickness, maternity,
paternity, and adoption pay
entitlements.

• Free access to our School Counsellor and

School Nurse.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Wide range of professional

development opportunities.

• School fee remission.

• Easter and Summer holiday camp discounts.

• Healthcare Cash Plan scheme.

• Employee assistance programme.

• Hours of Work: Core school hours, when all full-
time teaching staff are expected to be at work, are
currently 8.00am to 4.30pm each day, plus a
proportional share of pastoral and organisational
duties.

• All INSET days, major school and departmental

events, such as Open Day, Sports Day, Assessment
Day, Celebration Day, Parents Evenings, and all
pertinent events listed in the school calendar.

• Depending on the school’s requirements at any
time, these hours are subject to the terms and
conditions of a Contract of Employment and to
amendment by the Head Master from time to time.

• Staff may be called to perform other duties that

the Head Master considers reasonable and
commensurate with the grading and designation of
the post.

• The first 12 months of this role will be a

probationary period during which your suitability
for the position will be assessed. The school
reserves the right to extend probationary periods
if it believes such an extension is necessary.

STAFF BENEFITS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Healthcare Cash Plan
• Medical, including dental and optical,
treatment, access to a virtual GP, skin
health tracker and the 'mProve' yourself
App.

Employee Assistance Programme
• Provides free and confidential advice,
including up to eight face-to-face
counselling sessions.

School counsellor & nurse
• Access to School counsellor and School

Nurse during term time.

Wellbeing Initiatives
• Sky Lounge, TGIF and staff room treats.

Physical EXERCISE
• Discounted gym membership and Cycle to

Work scheme.

Meals & Refreshments
• Breakfast (for a small charge), Morning

snack and lunch, coffee and tea, and plant-
based milks available.

Occupational Health
• Professional help to both staff and the

school where work-related adjustments
may be required.

Pay & Pension
• Generous pension scheme.
• Pay policy including regular benchmarking of our

salary scales.

• Pension salary exchange scheme.

Protection
•
•

Life assurance.
Income protection insurance (academic staff only).

School Fees
• 25% discount, after which any further discount is

means-tested.

• Easter and summer holiday camp discounts.

Financial Support
• High street discounts.
• Emergency financial assistance.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• School laptop provided to staff (where

relevant to the role).

• 175 teaching days per year (190 in the

maintained sector).

• Smaller class sizes, great teaching resources

and higher PPA time.

• Staff Accommodation may be available.

FAMILY FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE
WORKING ARRANGMENTS

Enhanced Leave
• Enhanced sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption,

dependents, carers, and bereavement leave
entitlements.

Flexible working policy.

Working Hours
•
• Part-time and Term-time working.
•

Flexibility to work from home (only applies to
certain roles and with agreement).

Inclusion
•
• Disability Confident employer.

Life event recognition

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INSET and twilight training.

Career Development
•
• Career pathways.
• Mentoring or career coaching.
•

Full CPD programme.

Qualifications
• Early career teacher programme.
• National professional qualifications support.
• Apprenticeships.
•

Financial support for professional qualifications.

APPLICATION &
APPOINTMENT

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS
A completed Application Form and a Cover Letter explaining
your suitability for this role should be emailed to Tamsin
Hutson, Human Resources Manager. Please also read the
accompanying Application & Recruitment Process Explanatory
Note. We reserve the right to appoint at any time during the
recruitment process.

• Closing Date: Thursday 2 October 2025, 9.00am

•

Interview Dates: Week Beginning 6 October 2025

• Start Date: January 2026,  subject to satisfactory vetting checks

APPOINTMENT

Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon
the following:

• Receipt of at least two references which are

satisfactory to the school.

• Verification of identity and qualifications, including

evidence of the right to work in the UK.

• A satisfactory enhanced criminal records check through
the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and clearance of
the Children’s Barred List, and confirmation that you are
not disqualified from providing childcare.

• A check which confirms that you are not the subject of a
sanction, restriction or prohibition issued by the Teaching
Regulation Agency which renders you unable or
unsuitable to work at the school.

• A check which confirms that you are not banned by

the regulating authority of the teaching profession in
each country in which you have worked as a teacher,
which confirms that you are not subject to any
sanctions or restrictions and that there are no
concerns over your suitability to work as a teacher.

• Evidence from the professional regulating authority
of the teaching profession in each country in which
you have worked as a teacher which confirms that
you are not subject to any sanctions or restrictions
and that there are no concerns over your suitability
to work as a teacher.

• Verification of your medical fitness for the role.

• Satisfactory completion of the probationary period.

• Any further checks that the School deems necessary
if you have lived or worked outside of the UK, which
will include an overseas criminal records check or
certificate of good conduct and may include
professional references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
& SAFEGUARDING

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to the equal treatment of all current and
prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age,
disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity,
religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from
individuals of all backgrounds. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive
work environment where all employees are valued and respected for their
unique perspectives and contributions.

Candidates will only be assessed against relevant criteria (i.e., skills,
qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment. In
accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act, Dulwich Prep & Senior seeks
to treat those with disabilities as favourably as those without disabilities.
Accordingly, we will make reasonable arrangements, wherever practicable, to
avoid putting those with disabilities at a disadvantage.

SAFEGUARDING

Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s
and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening
and training appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers,
online checks, and an enhanced criminal records check with the Disclosure
and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunity

employer and welcome applications

from individuals of all backgrounds.

We believe in fostering a diverse

and inclusive work environment

where all employees are valued and

respected for their unique

perspectives and contributions.

We are proud members of the

Schools Inclusion Alliance and the

Government’s Disability Confident

Scheme.