GAP ASSISTANT Candidate Information 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. JOB DESCRIPTION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The purpose of this role is to provide administrative and classroom support to ensure the smooth running of the Section/Department. Under the guidance of the Head of Department, you will assist with a range of tasks to facilitate effective teaching and learning and contribute to the overall organisation of the department. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS • • • • Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils. Provide administrative support for your Section / Department and carry out administrative tasks at the request of the Head of Section / Department and Professional Tutor. Share regular supervisory duties as required, including during morning break and lunchtime. Supervise children on visits, trips and out-of-school activities as required. • Be flexible in approach to the school day and week, undertaking different tasks as required. • Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance and conduct. TEACHING & LEARNING • Assist in the classrooms and departments as timetabled and directed by the form teacher or Head of Section / Department. KEYS SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE: • Assist staff in promoting children’s personal, social and emotional development with communication and physical skills in all activities. DUTIES MAY INCLUDE: • Help create and manage a caring, supportive, purposeful, and stimulating environment conducive to children’s learning. • Listen to the children read to promote their interest, enthusiasm and understanding of books. • Actively promote positive, courteous relations with children, • Determine the need for, prepare and clear up activities and parents and colleagues. • Maintain good order and discipline among pupils and support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding their children. • • Promote the good name and reputation of the school. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake other comparable duties from time to time. • Adhere to school policies and procedures. resources in cooperation with other staff indoors and outdoors. • Assist staff in creating child-friendly, interactive displays and presentation of children’s work. • • Ensure that school policies are reflected in daily practice. Perform school duties, including break and lunch supervision. • Assist with school events and productions. • • • Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. Strong ICT skills. Experience of working with nursery and primary age pupils (desirable) PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES: • • • Enthusiastic individual possessing drive, energy, and commitment, with a presence that engenders confidence and respect from children, colleagues, and parents. Team focused: shares knowledge and information with other staff members to promote good practice. Focuses on what needs to be delivered: understands what is required and responds promptly. • Good organisational skills. • Reliable and punctual. • Able and willing to undertake additional duties as part of the whole school team. • Commitment to the highest educational and pastoral care standards 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. 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 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. 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 • Salary: £10.00 to £12.25 per hour. • Generous defined contribution pension scheme. • Life assurance and Income protection insurance (academic staff). • Free school lunches. • 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. • 8.00am to 5..00pm, with a one unpaid hour break, each day plus a proportional share of organisational duties, including after school care. • INSET days and major school and departmental events, such as Open Day and trips out of School. • The post holder may be called to perform other duties that the school reasonably considers to be commensurate with the grading and designation of the post and to reflect changing needs and priorities of the school and the role. • Depending on 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 six 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 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Healthcare Cash Plan • Medical, including dental and optical, treatment, access to a virtual GP, skin health tracker and the 'mProve' yourself App. Career Development • Mentoring or career coaching. • Receiving training and support to help develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. Employee Assistance Programme • Provides free and confidential advice, including up to eight face-to-face counselling sessions. • Developing personal and professional skills through involvement in a variety of school activities such as assisting in lessons, supervising children during break and lunch, and assisting with school events and trips. School counsellor & nurse • Access to School counsellor and School Nurse during term time. . FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGMENTS Wellbeing Initiatives • Sky Lounge, TGIF and staff room treats. Flexibility • • Opportunity to earn additional pay by working overtime during overnight school Flexibility to select the number of terms you wish to work. Meals & Refreshments • Breakfast (for a small charge), morning snack and lunch, coffee and tea, and trips, sports fixtures, school plays, and similar events. • Option to work at our Easter and Summer Camps. plant-based milks available. FINANCIAL WELLBEING Pay & Pension • Generous pension scheme. • Pay policy including regular benchmarking of our salary scales. • Pension salary exchange scheme. Protection • Life assurance. . ADDITIONAL BENEFITS • School laptop provided (where relevant to the role). • Experience in a vibrant, supportive community with passionate colleagues. Inclusion • Disability Confident employer. 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: Monday 20 October 2025, 9.00am • Interview Dates: Week Beginning 27 October 2025 • Start Date: Spring Term 2026 APPOINTMENT Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon the following: • The agreement of a mutually acceptable start date and you entering into a contract incorporating the school’s standard terms and conditions. • 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. • Verification of your medical fitness for the role. • 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.