Librarian

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Cycle to work

Perkbox access

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Philip Morant School and College in Colchester is seeking a part-time Librarian to lead and develop a vibrant school library. You will shape, promote and evaluate a high-quality library and learning resources that support teaching and learning across the school.

You will work closely with teaching and pastoral teams, manage the library budget, stock and cataloguing, and foster an inclusive environment that promotes reading and diversity.

Qualifications

• Recent experience working with children in a learning environment.
• A passion for reading.
• Completion of training to support the role if appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and assistance to staff and students in the use of the library's resources.
• Liaise with teaching staff to arrange resources relevant to the curriculum.
• Support library sessions and deliver reading assessments and interventions.
• Develop and maintain links with external library services, suppliers and retailers to enhance resources.
• Oversee the computerised library system: loans/returns, cataloguing and indexing.
• Ensure the library is tidy and resources are well ordered on shelves.

Skills

Children's learning experience

Reading enthusiasm

Role training

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 10/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 17th November 2026

Join a Community Where Everyone Feels They Belong at Philip Morant School and College

Are you wanting to work as a part of a team whose purpose is to enable every member of the community to feel they belong? Do you have the skills to contribute to a learning environment that enables staff and students to be the best they can be?

Philip Morant School and College was judged as "Good" in all areas by Ofsted in September 2023. We are looking for a Librarian who can be a key part in our ongoing improvement journey.

Our school is a calm and orderly place. We work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome. As the largest school in Colchester, we have exceptional facilities. Through the Sigma Trust there are many opportunities to work with staff in other schools and to have opportunities for development.

Living and breathing our vision and values starts from interview day, with every applicant welcomed by the Headteacher. From there every member of staff is part of a strong team and support and opportunity is always available.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to lead and develop a vibrant school library at the heart of our learning community. The role involves shaping, promoting and evaluating an outstanding library and learning resource provision that supports high-quality teaching and learning across the school.

Working closely with teaching and pastoral teams, you will oversee the library budget, be responsible for stocking and cataloguing, and responding to all library queries. The Librarian will create an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes a love of reading, celebrates diversity and enriches students' educational experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

• The successful candidate will work 37 hours per week (8:00am - 4:00pm Mon to Thurs; 8.00am - 3.30pm Fri) with a 30-minute unpaid break which would have to be taken outside of the normal school lunch break.
• This is a 40-week per year role, which includes 38 weeks term time, 1-week non-pupil days + 1 additional week.

A Day in the Life:

You'll be responsible for bringing your passion and expertise to the following areas:

• Provide advice and assistance to staff and students in the use of the library's resources, including the delivery of Sparx reader and NGRT testing.
• Liaise with teaching staff to arrange for the availability of resources relevant to the curriculum.
• Support library sessions and deliver reading assessments and interventions.
• Develop, maintain and use links with external library services, suppliers, retailers etc to enhance and develop resources.
• Oversee the computerised operation of the library system including: loans/returns, cataloguing and indexing periodicals.
• Responsibility for ensuring the school library is tidy and accessible by maintaining resources in good condition and in the correct order on the shelves.

What We're Looking For:
You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:

• Successful recent experience working with children in a learning environment.
• A passion for reading.
• Successful completion of training to support the role if appropriate.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please note that an integration period applies to all new staff joining the Trust, to support introduction into the organisation.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?
We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
• A Health Cash Plan to help manage your everyday healthcare costs
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, access to discounts via free membership to Perkbox, eligibility for a Blue Light Card, and more

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision 'To Be Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts', where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position, so please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before you apply.

Information about the School

We are a large secondary school in Colchester and also enjoy a thriving Sixth Form College. We are a popular School with waiting lists for every year and are proud of our strong academic record. We have an excellent and enthusiastic staff led by a strong senior leadership team and we work hard to provide an environment where every student is valued and their varying needs met. Our pastoral care is based upon a highly successful house system and ensures support both for students and parents.

SafeguardingThe Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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