Key Stage 1 Teacher

The Opportunity

Godstowe School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. The School adopts a child-centred approach to safeguarding and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in which every child can thrive.

Inspire curiosity. Nurture confidence. Shape young lives.

Godstowe is seeking an outstanding and enthusiastic Key Stage 1 Teacher to join our vibrant and ambitious Prep School community.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented educator with a passion for early learning and child-centred teaching to play a key role in shaping an exceptional KS1 experience. We are looking for someone who brings warmth, creativity, energy and high expectations to the classroom, and who is committed to helping every child flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

At Godstowe, we believe childhood should be joyful, inspiring and full of opportunity. Our teachers create engaging learning environments where curiosity is celebrated, individuality is valued and children are encouraged to become confident, independent learners.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and forward-thinking team who are passionate about delivering an innovative and nurturing education within a flourishing day and boarding school environment.

The Role

The Key Stage 1 Teacher will be responsible for delivering an outstanding educational experience for pupils in Years 1 and/or 2, fostering a love of learning through creative, dynamic and well-structured teaching.

The role includes responsibility for the academic progress, pastoral wellbeing and day-to-day care of pupils, alongside active participation in the wider life of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, creative and challenging lessons that inspire and motivate young learners.
• Create a stimulating classroom environment where pupils feel happy, secure and confident to take risks in their learning.
• Foster excellent standards of literacy, numeracy and communication through imaginative and purposeful teaching.
• Use a range of teaching strategies to support the needs, strengths and interests of all learners.
• Assess, monitor and track pupil progress effectively, using assessment to inform future planning and ensure excellent outcomes.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports pupil development and encourages independence.
• Promote high expectations of behaviour, kindness and respect in line with the school’s values.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver a rich and broad curriculum experience.
• Integrate technology and innovative approaches to enhance teaching and learning where appropriate.

Pastoral Care

• Build strong, positive relationships with pupils and support their emotional wellbeing and personal development.
• Take an active role as a Form Teacher, supporting pupils’ pastoral, social and academic progress.
• Foster a classroom culture where every child feels known, valued and encouraged.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents, building strong partnerships between home and school.
• Support pupils through transitions and celebrate individual achievements and successes.

Wider Contribution to School Life

• Contribute enthusiastically to the wider life of the school, including enrichment activities, educational visits, performances and special events.
• Participate fully in staff meetings, training, professional development and collaborative planning.
• Engage positively with the school’s culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support the school’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Undertake duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role, as reasonably requested by the Head.

The Person We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with experience or strong interest in Key Stage 1 education.
• Demonstrate a secure understanding of child development and the KS1 curriculum.
• Be creative, energetic and passionate about inspiring young children.
• Have high expectations alongside a nurturing and encouraging approach.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Be collaborative, reflective and eager to contribute to school life beyond the classroom.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Embrace new ideas and approaches to teaching and learning.
• Have a good sense of humour, warmth and professionalism.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.

Experience within the independent sector is welcomed but not essential.