Graduate Library Assistant

TES FE News; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Cold Ash, Berkshire is seeking a Graduate Library Assistant to join their team in January 2026. This fixed-term role offers the opportunity to support pupils, manage library resources, and gain valuable experience. The position includes on-site accommodation and various benefits like free meals and a pension scheme. Ideal for recent graduates looking to kickstart their career in an educational environment.

Benefits

Free staff accommodation provided on site

Free meals on site

Modern gym and swimming pool facilities

Regular professional development opportunities

Vibrant and supportive staff community

Generous pension scheme

Life Assurance and Death in Service benefit

Qualifications

• Recent graduate of any discipline.
• Required to have the right to work in the UK.
• Own transport is essential due to rural location.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the organisation, management, and administration of the Library.
• Involve in organising Residencies for departments within the Murray Centre.
• Support pupils in their academic development.

Job description

Job Overview

Graduate Library Assistant – Fixed term contract from 1 January 2026 to 31 July 2027, with possibility to extend to December 2027.

Are you a recent graduate looking for a rewarding position? This is an exceptional opportunity for a graduate of any discipline to gain valuable experience supporting pupils in their academic development. Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18, based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities to help them grow into confident young women. We are seeking a positive and enthusiastic Graduate Library Assistant to join our team from January 2026. This could be an exciting route to kickstart your career.

You will assist with the efficient organisation, management and administration of the Library and ensure that it remains a key resource for pupils and staff. You will also be involved in organising Residencies for different departments within the Murray Centre, a collaborative learning and multi-functional space.

You will be part of a nurturing and supportive but busy and thriving school where everyone is encouraged to get involved with school life. We have graduate roles in other departments, so you will not be alone. Some graduates have gone on to permanent employment with us after their placement, while others have gained useful career insight and connections to guide their next steps.

This is a residential post, and the Graduate Library Assistant will live in on-site accommodation, sharing facilities, usually with other Graduate Assistants.

Benefits

• Free staff accommodation provided on site
• Provision of delicious and nutritious free meals and on-site parking
• Modern gym and swimming pool facilities
• Regular opportunities for professional development
• A vibrant and supportive staff community
• A variety of social occasions through the year
• Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution)
• Life Assurance and Death in Service benefit
• A supportive induction programme
• Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our website: https://www.downehouse.net/about/vacancies/

Closing Date: 23 September 2025

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email [e-mail].

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

Downe House promotes equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, and actively supports an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.